Hephaestus

There is a critical moment when heated bronze turns to liquid of just the right temperature and viscosity to pour. That point can be measured with a pyrometer. With a life-time of experience, some knowledge about the science, and a bit of alchemy the moment can also be sensed. The proper viscosity, color, and sheen can be determined by sight. Medieval Chinese metallurgists called it “sun on ice”. Understanding the precise time to pour is the essential step in bronze sculpting. The magical step. The rest of the process, developing the concept, sculpting a wax or clay original, making a ceramic shell, gathering the raw materials, releasing the bronze, grinding, polishing, and applying patina are all for naught if the pour goes badly.

     Having the opportunity to photograph a master artisan during the bronze pouring process was exciting and rewarding. My goal was to capture the movement, attention to detail, and skill of the sculptor; while at the same time document the transformation of the material. My subject is Bill Shockley, a good friend, skilled artist, and conservator of tradition.