How I create a garden sculpture

Creating a garden sculpture of course usually begins with a personal idea, or in the case of a commission with a discussion with the client.  The majority are created in the method shown in the attached slide show.  My garden sculptures are usually cast in either bronze, bronze or aluminium resin and are available in an edition of twelve only unless the prospective client wishes to have a unique piece, in which case I will create a garden sculpture only for them

My garden sculptures are usually cast in either bronze, bronze or aluminium resin and are available in an edition of twelve only unless the prospective client wishes to have a unique piece, in which case I will create a garden sculpture only for them.

This slideshow below shows how I create a garden sculpture from its starting point in a block of polystyrene to its finished state having been cast in aluminium resin.   You will see the development of the process as the finished sculpture gradually emerges from the block.     I cut the polystyrene block to an approximate size and use a hot wire tool to take away sections which approximate to the size and shape.   I then use a smaller hot wire tool to refine the shape until I achieve the desired result.   The finer details are then carved and smoothed.   I usually then cover the entire sculpture with a very thin layer of plaster, sanding away the surface t with wet-and-dry sanding paper until I am satisfied. When the carving is finished it is then ready to go the the professional casters, where a mould is taken and the finished cast is patinated to my requirements.

To scroll through the slides, click on the > symbol or use the slider on the right hand side of the slideshow window to move up and down between the images.

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