John’s introduction to bronze started with the application of patinas on cast bronze lamp bases. He was inspired to learn more, and through many collaborations and independent study he learned the basics. All of our bronze pieces are created using the traditional lost-wax process. A sculpture is made using clay and then a mold is made from the clay original. In the case of making reproductions, a mold is made from the original piece. Into this mold a special wax is poured. Once hardened this wax casting is “cleaned up”, meaning all imperfections are repaired. Sprues are added for the metal pouring process, and the wax is encased in a ceramic shell. When the ceramic shell is set, the wax is melted out leaving a void which is filled by the molten bronze. After the metal has cooled, the ceramic shell is removed and the casting is “chased”, meaning the sprues are removed and all surfaces are ground and polished. At this time the sculpture is complete, however, in most cases a patina is desired. This gives the bronze the appearance and characteristics of an object of antiquity.