Casting the Pope

[joe]

Last week I went by the Crucible to see what was going on. Low and behold they were working on a casting of the Pope. Naturally I had to get my picture taken with him. The finished piece, cast in bronze will be 22' high.

In the photo's you can see the HDU base, half covered with clay. The photo of Steve is showing how he textures the clay getting it ready for the casting. Once the HDU has been routed out it's sprayed with clay at a depth of about 1/8". It's nice and soft allowing the artists to give the sculpture all the detail they desire.

It' always a pleasure to meet the artists, who come from all over the world to do the finishing of their sculpture. They are all very humble, pleasant fellows and a joy to be around. Some stay for weeks putting the finish touch to their work.

Joe

[Chuck Keysor]

Wow Joe, that was really interesting! I had never even thought of making a big model, and then coating it with clay for detailing! Mind you, I won't ever make a giant statue, but the idea is still great, and if I ever need to make a detailed master, from which to make a mold, I will remember this! Thanks, Chuck

[joe]

Chuck,

Thanks for the complement. I almost didn't post about the process since it's not anything being done over here.

The foundry takes the artists model and scans it, then with their 3d router makes the full sized image. That's what you are seeing in the photo's.

I was told that "How's It Made" has filmed five hours, so far, on the process. I'll post the dates of the showing when I find out.

Joe