Stage 1 – Modelling

Firstly, a structural wire frame or "armature" is constructed to hold the
weight and shape of the sculpture as it develops. Thérèse often works with
models as this represents the most effective means of observing the finer
subtleties of the human form. With careful observation Thérèse gradually
develops the form of the sculpture, moving onto the fine detail at the latter stages.

Stage 2 –Moulding

Once the sculpture has been modelled in clay, a mould is constructed around
it. Multiple layers of silicone rubber are applied to the surface of the
sculpture and over this a fibreglass case is constructed. Once completed,
this is dismantled and the clay original removed. The silicone will have
replicated all the detail of the original and this mould can then be used
to produce numerous reproductions of the sculpture.

 

Stage 3 - Casting

Thérèse Theodas sculpture is produced using two different techniques:

Bronze resin - Also referred to as cold cast bronze, this technique involves blending bronze powder with epoxy resin to produce a material which is applied to the interior of the silicone mould. Subsequent applications of this will produce a shell into which an armature{wire frame} can be constructed. The mould is then filled with a blend of resin and metal powders which are left to set.

The mould is dismantled and the casting removed. It is then rubbed back to reveal the bronze surface and this can then be patinated {coloured} using a variety of chemicals. Jade oil is used to secure the coloration and a fine application of pure beeswax results in a lustrous finish.

Hot cast bronze casting - this ancient process dates back many thousands of years. It involves producing a hollow wax image of the sculpture which is then coated in a thick ceramic coating which is allowed to dry thoroughly. The wax is burned away leaving a ceramic shell into which molten bronze is poured. Once cooled, the shell is smashed away to reveal the casting which is then cleaned and patinated by heating the bronze with a blow torch and applying a variety of chemicals. This is then left to cool and wax polished.