Commission
I breathe life into your imagination, shaping custom sculpted models that echo your vision. Whether it’s a deeply personal piece, a heartfelt gift, or the realization of a dream project, I sculpt with care and artistry to craft creations as unique as your story.
After the commission agreement is finalized, photographs are used to conduct a detailed study and analysis of the hand's shape before proceeding to the sculpting phase.
Using traditional tools such as callipers, spatulas, and a structural stand, the clay is gradually built up to achieve the desired shape.
Hour by hour, the sculpture begins to take form, allowing the detailed work to commence. With fine wire tools, brushes, and sponges, the intricate details of the hand—skin folds, pores, and textures—are carefully reproduced to create a lifelike result.
Once the clay sculpture is dry, the moulding process begins. This involves using plaster to create the supporting shells and silicone for the flexible rubber mould.
Despite advancements in technology, the traditional methods of sculpture casting remain unchanged. The "lost wax" process continues to be the only way to cast bronze artwork.
Thin layers of hot green wax are applied to the rubber mould, gradually creating an exact wax replica of the original clay piece.
The wax replica is then attached to a system of wax pipes, forming a "plumbing" structure in preparation for the final moulding phase, known as "investing."
A mixture of plaster, grog (battled soil), brick powder, and water is applied as a thick coating to create a durable shell that can withstand the intense heat of the casting process once fully dried.
The "lost wax" technique, an ancient process perfected by Italian artisans during the Renaissance, involves placing the mould containing the wax replica in a specialized oven. As the temperature rises, the wax melts away, leaving an empty mould that precisely captures the negative imprint of the sculpture.
Bronze bars are melted in a crucible and poured into the mould. Once the bronze has set, the mould is broken, revealing the rough bronze sculpture.
The final stage involves meticulous work to refine the piece. Sandblasting, cleaning, and addressing any minor imperfections ensure the sculpture is flawless.
Once the bronze sculpture is fully cleaned and polished, it is assembled and ready for exhibition.
TESTIMONIAL
"Meeting Hugues felt like a divine intervention. I wanted something very special for my partner' s headstone and when I explained it to Hugues he knew exactly what I meant. I showed him a sketch of the hands and he replicated them with precision and great craftsmanship. I was so moved by his work and the commitment that went into it that not only was a piece of great art forged but also a friendship. Hugues created something unique and almost lifelike. Each time I see George's headstone I am moved and thankful that our paths crossed. Thank you Hugues for taking on the project and breathing life into it."
Diane Ferrara, VIC
The lost wax process is a traditional method for making metal sculptures, often in bronze. Here's a simple explanation of how it works:
1. Create the Model:
Start by sculpting the piece in clay or another material to make the original design.
2. Make a Mould:
A flexible rubber mould is made around the clay model to capture every detail. A hard plaster shell is added around the rubber to hold its shape.
3. Wax Replica:
Hot liquid wax is poured into the rubber mould to create a hollow wax copy of the sculpture. This wax replica will be used to cast the final piece.
4. Prepare for Casting:
Wax "pipes" (called sprues) are attached to the wax replica. These will create channels for the bronze to flow in and for air to escape. The entire piece is then coated in a thick plaster and ceramic mixture to form a strong shell.
5. Melt the Wax:
The mould is heated in a kiln or oven. The wax melts and drains out, leaving an empty space (the "lost wax") inside the hard shell.
6. Pour the Metal
Bronze is melted at high temperatures and poured into the empty mould where the wax used to be.
7. Break the Mould:
Once the metal cools and hardens, the outer shell is carefully broken away to reveal the rough bronze sculpture.
8. Finishing Touches:
The sculpture is cleaned, polished, and refined to remove imperfections and bring out all the details.