Thank you for your interest in my work. Owning a piece of bronze art can bring you closer to the artist and his process. For this reason, I feel that it is important to share with you how your Wim Griffith bronze sculpture is produced. Clay Rendering Click to enlarge. First of all, and most significantly, your sculpture is a visible rendering of an inspiration - a deep inward emotion that springs from the heart of the artist. It is the sensitive and fervent expression of a soul-felt passion, and in turn the sculpture speaks to your heart. A live model has posed for each of my sculptures, insuring an accurate rendition in clay. When the clay interpretation is complete, it goes to the foundry where the careful expertise of many artisans bring your sculpture into being. First, Robert makes flexible rubber mold of it. This modern material is able to capture every detail of the original. Gates and Sprues Click to enlarge. From here it goes to Juan where molten wax is pouted into the rubber mold, producing a faithful casting of the original sculpture. When the wax casting is removed from the mold, Maria hand-finishes it, removing seams and imperfections until it perfectly matches the original. At this point I sign and number your piece. Wax rods called "gates" are applied to the wax casting to allow the wax to be removed and funnels called "sprues" reattached to receive the molten bronze. Pouring the Bronze Click to enlarge. The wax then goes to Abel who coats it with several layers of liquid refractory ceramic, creating a stable mold which is allowed to cure for several days. The ceramic mold is fired in a kiln, which bakes the ceramic and melts out the wax, leaving a cavity in its place; thus the term "Lost Wax". Abel and Louis, wearing fireproof protective gear, fill the ceramic mold with molten bronze at a temperature of 2100° Fahrenheit. When the bronze has cooled, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away, revealing the sculpture within. Welding Click to enlarge. The raw casting is then turned over to Roland, who cuts away the gates and sprues, then grinds, sands, sandblasts, and finally polishes the bronze to perfection. If a complex piece required the casting of separate pieces, they are now welded together to create the final piece. Applying the Patina Click to enlarge. The chaste bronze is finally given to George who, using chemicals and heat, gives it the chosen color according to my specifications. This patina is now a permanent part of the sculpture. When it has been waxed and polished, your piece is finally ready to be crated, packed, and sent to you. As you can see, my inspiration, the sculpting, and the artistic rendering are all combined with the expertise of many artisans who are needed to produce a singular work of art. There is no rushing the production of a beautiful bronze sculpture. As many as six to eight weeks may elapse before your piece is sent to you. We know you will appreciate every careful step in this process and that you will treasure the final rendition of your Wim Griffith bronze sculpture.