In this workshop, John Brown provides a comprehensive guide to mastering bronze casting using the lost wax method. He covers technical knowledge, practical alternatives, and cost-saving strategies, enabling artists to take greater control of their work, reduce reliance on expensive foundries, and gain hands-on expertise while cutting production costs.

Duration: 2m 7s

In this lesson, John showcases foundry mold-making techniques that prioritize the challenges specific to wax casting for bronze sculpture. The vertical building method and sprue system represent significant differences over traditional horizontal dam-building approaches, reducing labor while improving casting success rates. Understanding the inside-out construction philosophy, where each layer informs the next, is essential for creating functional, durable molds that will produce clean wax castings ready for the lost-wax bronze casting process.

Duration: 36m 56s

In this lesson, John provides us with guidance on wax casting techniques essential for bronze sculpture work. He explains that wax casting requires patience, attention to temperature control, and understanding when to use each method based on the sculpture's complexity. Proper execution of these techniques, from initial application through careful demolding, ensures high-quality wax positives that accurately reproduce the original sculpture's detail.

Duration: 7m 12s

In this lesson, John, along with his associate Randy Buck, discusses the wax chasing process, which represents the final sculpting opportunity before bronze casting. While artists can perform this work themselves to maintain complete creative control, developing a trusted relationship with a skilled foundry technician like Randy, allows artists to focus on other aspects of their work.

Duration: 7m 26s

In this lesson, John and Randy discuss the process of cutting windows in wax casts, a step that directly impacts the success of the final piece. This process exemplifies the skilled craftsmanship required at top foundries and demonstrates why quality bronze casting is expensive; each step requires careful planning, technical knowledge, and meticulous handiwork to ensure the sculpture survives the extreme conditions of the bronze pour and accurately reproduces the original artwork.

Duration: 5m 42s

In this lesson, John explores proper gating and sprueing, a crucial step for successful bronze casting. He demonstrates how to plan molten metal flow, manage shrinkage and air escape, to ensure the bronze fills the mold accurately, capturing fine details while preventing defects in the final casting.

Duration: 6m 57s

This lesson looks at the next stage where foundry technicians create the investment mold. This time-consuming process is essential as it protects all previous work invested in the bronze casting process. John's precise control of the materials, environment and timing, creates a mold that captures fine artistic detail and withstands the extreme forces of molten metal.

Duration: 7m 57s

In this stage of bronze cast, John looks at the "lost wax" process and explains why bronze casting is such a labor-intensive art form, requiring multiple heating and cooling cycles to ensure the mold is completely prepared. Every step must be executed carefully to prevent injury and ensure the mold can safely contain 2000-degree fahrenheit molten bronze during the final pour.

Duration: 6m 41s

In this lesson, John covers the crucible and pouring stage of bronze casting, highlighting the critical role of a professional foundry. He explains how precise control of temperature, timing, and pouring sequence ensures high-quality results while managing the safety risks of working with molten metal, illustrating why bronze casting remains a highly specialized craft.

Duration: 2m 31s

In this lesson, John demonstrates the knockout stage, from shell removal to sandblasting, revealing the labor-intensive processes behind bronze sculptures. This insight fosters appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship required to transform molten metal into finished art.

Duration: 5m 12s

In this lesson, John and Randy discuss the metal chasing stage, which represents a critical bridge between raw casting and finished sculpture. The collaborative relationship between the artist and foundry worker ensures that every detail is preserved or adjusted according to the artist's intentions before the final patina stage.

Duration: 14m 15s

In this lesson, John and Randy demonstrate the patina process for bronze, exploring how acids, temperature, and sealing influence the final appearance. Through multiple applications, they show how the surface develops rich, complex coloration, creating sculptures that reward close inspection and invite viewer engagement.

Duration: 20m 33s

In this final lesson, John demonstrates mounting a bronze sculpture on a marble base, ensuring a secure, permanent installation that protects both artwork and display surfaces. By following professional foundry methods, sculptors can present their finished pieces with a polished, gallery-ready appearance.

Duration: 3m 45s