Upcoming Bronze Projects ... With Clamp, Gourd & Driftwood

clamp project #2

dried gourd - view1

driftwood - view 1

     While waiting for some patina supplies to arrive, I am gearing up to start on several new bronze casting projects. Last year I did a piece titled 'Upon Reflection' that utilized an antique wood clamp for its foundation. At the time, I had contemplated a variety of approaches to the potential set ups of the clamp itself. I visualized it as a sort of playground or jungle gym for some small figures. As soon as I finished the piece, I set my sights on acquiring more clamps so that I could explore other variations on that concept. I acquired another clamp and have decided to set it up at an angle. The next step will be to decide on how many figures will be interacting with the clamp, and where and how they will be positioned.
    I also have a couple of "found" objects that I intend to cast. One is a decorative gourd that was was forgotten after the Thanksgiving holiday. When I checked to see if it had gone soft with rot, I was surprised to find that it had actually dried out and hardened. It has both an interesting surface and shape, with a nicely curved neck and stem. I may try find some additional similar gourds  to create a grouping in bronze.
     The other found object that I will cast is a piece of driftwood that, like the gourd, has an interesting shape and surface quality. Its 'V' shape and 'feathered wing tips' suggest a avian form of some sort. The process of gating this piece will challenge me in much the same way that my sculpture 'Seadrift" did (see my blog entries for 6-25-14 and 7-6-14), because of the variations in thickness, the angles, and detail of the textures. But, as I have said before, I like a challenge. Stay tuned...

'Upon Reflection'

dried gourd - view 2

driftwood - view 2