Unit Map: Bronze Casting Project with Wax Sculpture and Plaster Investment
Unit Overview:
This unit introduces students to the process of bronze casting, focusing on creating a wax sculpture, preparing a plaster investment mold, and understanding the fundamentals of casting metal. Students will explore historical and contemporary practices of bronze casting, refine their sculptural skills, and learn technical processes involved in this ancient and enduring art form.
Unit Objectives:
By the end of this unit, students will:
Understand the principles and historical significance of bronze casting.
Design and sculpt a wax model suitable for bronze casting.
Prepare a plaster investment mold for casting.
Learn the technical process of bronze casting, including safety procedures.
Develop finishing techniques for cleaning and refining the final bronze piece.
Week 1: Concept Development and Wax Sculpting
Day 1: Introduction to Bronze Casting
Lecture/Discussion:
History of bronze casting (e.g., lost-wax process).
Overview of the process: Wax sculpture → Plaster investment → Metal pour → Finishing.
Activity:
Sketch and brainstorm designs for the bronze sculpture.
Discuss considerations for casting (e.g., size, undercuts, and hollowing).
Day 2: Wax Modeling Basics
Demonstration:
Techniques for working with wax (carving, adding wax, smoothing, and building armatures if needed).
Studio Activity:
Students begin sculpting their wax models based on their designs.
Day 3: Refining the Wax Sculpture
Studio Activity:
Focus on refining details and ensuring the sculpture is structurally sound for casting.
Check-in:
Individual feedback on designs and structural adjustments.
Day 4: Completing the Wax Model
Studio Activity:
Finalize the wax model, ensuring it is ready for spruing (adding wax channels for molten bronze flow and air escape).
Day 5: Wax Spruing
Demonstration:
How to add wax sprues for effective metal flow and air escape during casting.
Studio Activity:
Students add sprues to their sculptures.
Week 2: Plaster Investment and Bronze Casting
Day 1: Preparing the Plaster Investment Mold
Demonstration:
Mixing and applying plaster for investment molds.
Discuss safety precautions when handling plaster and wax.
Studio Activity:
Students prepare and pour plaster over their wax sculptures in investment molds.
Day 2: Curing and Wax Burnout
Activity:
Allow plaster molds to cure.
Discuss the burnout process: Melting the wax out of the mold to create a cavity for bronze.
Begin the burnout process in a kiln or furnace.
Day 3: Metal Pouring Preparation
Lecture/Discussion:
Safety procedures for working with molten metal.
Overview of the bronze melting and pouring process.
Activity:
Inspect molds after burnout for cracks or imperfections.
Prepare molds for metal pouring.
Day 4: Bronze Casting
Demonstration:
Melting and pouring bronze (performed by the instructor or under supervision in a safe environment).
Activity:
Students participate in or observe the casting process, focusing on safety and precision.
Day 5: Demolding and Cleaning
Activity:
Break away plaster molds to reveal the raw bronze sculpture.
Use files, saws, and sandpaper to remove sprues and clean up the bronze piece.
Discussion:
Troubleshooting and problem-solving any casting issues.
Week 3: Finishing and Presentation
Day 1: Refining the Bronze Sculpture
Demonstration:
Techniques for filing, sanding, and polishing bronze.
Studio Activity:
Students refine their sculptures, focusing on surface quality.
Day 2: Patination
Demonstration:
Applying patinas (chemical treatments) to create color and surface effects.
Studio Activity:
Students experiment with patination techniques on their sculptures.
Day 3: Mounting and Display Preparation
Demonstration:
Techniques for mounting sculptures on bases or stands.
Studio Activity:
Students prepare their sculptures for presentation.
Day 4: Final Critique and Reflection
Activity:
Students present their finished sculptures to the class.
Group critique focusing on design, execution, and process reflection.
Day 5: Documentation and Portfolio
Activity:
Photograph finished pieces for documentation.
Write a short artist statement describing the concept, process, and outcome.
Assessment Criteria:
Design and Creativity: The originality and thoughtfulness of the wax sculpture design.
Technical Proficiency: Skill in wax sculpting, plaster mold preparation, and finishing techniques.
Execution of Process: Adherence to safety protocols and proper execution of each step in the casting process.
Final Presentation: Quality of the finished bronze sculpture, including surface treatment and overall aesthetic.
Reflection and Documentation: Ability to articulate the creative process and final outcomes.
Materials and Equipment:
Wax (modeling wax and sprue wax)
Plaster investment materials
Bronze (provided in ingots or scrap)
Kiln or furnace for burnout and casting
Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, aprons, respirators)
Tools: Wax carving tools, files, sandpaper, polishing tools
Chemicals for patination (optional)
This unit allows students to develop both technical skills and a deeper appreciation for the bronze casting process, culminating in a professional-quality sculpture ready for display.