"The Green Foundry" Creating Form 3 or 3

I highly recommend watching this video, it shows how much time and energy goes into creating each piece of bronze. Not only is there the work from the sculptor but then there's the extensive process from the foundry that goes into creating each original piece of bronze. Casting each piece by hand. Video>>>

Green Foundry is a fine art sculpture facility that specializes in bronze casting, but also casts aluminum, iron, cement, plaster and cold bronze.

Our artists who use the Green Foundry are Christopher Gowell, Lindley Briggs, Jeffery Briggs
and Steven Carpenter.

"Lost Wax" Creating Form Part 2 of 3

Don't be fooled by the imitations. A lot of bronze is cast overseas in mass quantities, usually from 500 to thousands, what's unique about that? Nothing. Our sculptors have it done right here in the United States. They like to be hands on for every step in case corrections need to be made.

Here is one way our artists have their pieces cast. "The Lost Wax Bronze Casting."

For instance Lindley Briggs; sometimes will bring the original sculpture and pay the foundry to make the mold for her. Wax is then poured into the mold, creating a wax replica, which Lindley, in turn inspects and signs each piece.

The wax replica is coated with many layers of ceramic, called a ceramic shell. The wax is then melted out of the ceramic shell, then molten bronze is hand poured into the ceramic shell by metal craftsman using the ancient "cire perdue" or lost-wax method.
Casts are then chased, refined and sandblasted at the foundry, which Briggs oversees and directs the patination (is a film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period) process with a craftsman who specializes in patinas.







Then they are out for you to add to your collection.

Creating Form Part 1 of 3

In my next few postings I would like to talk about sculpture. On how I believe its an art form that doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Its as valuable, and complicated as any 2-D work. I always include sculpture with my exhibits it brings in the sophistication.

Collecting sculpture is very unique and it goes with almost any two-dimensional piece as an accent. It can also be your feature piece in your home, office and even in your garden creating a bold statement. Also with sculpture, lighting can play an important role casting beautiful shadows allowing its persona to take on different forms.

The hard part; how do I display it, its not like I can put it on the the wall or can I? Many artists cast reliefs for example Lindley (right) and Jeffery Briggs cast both 3-D and 2-D. Relief pieces can be hung on your wall just like a painting and in most cases with 3-D, you can either purchase the pedestal or one may be provided for the piece.

In fact, some pieces like Jeanne' McCartin's sculpted masks (above) are meant to be hung on the wall. You should see the shadows her pieces create.

But one thing is clear you better start collecting sculpture fast. The materials themselves are starting to sky rocket, all metals for that matter, which is making it extremely difficult for the artists to keep their prices reasonable. This means there is an enhanced value, not only are you collecting from your favorite artist but one day the cost of the materials will make that piece even more valuable.


"Unlike two-dimensional art, sculpture comes with a sense of presence." "American Art Collector" April Issue, #42.
Featured piece Magnolia, Christopher Gowell

Check out our full range of sculptors at www.bowersockgallery.com

What Economy?

I asked some of our artists this question; "Any advice for an artist just starting out in this current economy?" When I originally asked this question I had emerging artists in mind but after reading through the artist's comments, I realized this really wasn't about emerging at all. The question could be for any artist who is working in this current economy.

I became so energized after reading their comments; I knew they needed to be shared.

Any advice for an artist just starting out in this current economy?


"Just work! Get in the studio! This is a great time to focus on making better works, push, stretch, take risks, maybe fail, but explore new territory." -Kim Bernard




"I began sculpting full time during the 80's recession and has a very successful career which supported me as a sculptor for then years. You have to work hard and have a lot of luck (which you create for yourself), and have faith that your work is worth struggling for." -Christopher Gowell




"Sure- They are 2 non-related issues, so forget the economy and just paint! Your job is to work and improve." -Gail Sauter



"Just do it! Shine on and be thrifty. Creative people learn they need to take the time for thoughts to peculate from their unconscious. Allowing space for gathered reflection to come forward is part of the process of making art." -Wen Redmond
Check out "The Wire" just released today about this Obama piece.




"Being an artist is a lifetime lifestyle." -Dustan Knight




So I said "what economy" these artists have over three decades of experience, devoted their time and lives to their passion and not to mention they are extremely talented. So they must know what they're talking about.

More encouragement is Sotheby's and Art News Blog "But a Christie's auction in New York has blown my theory of an auction slowdown out of the water. The total for the night was an impressive $325 million, which is the second highest total for a post war and contemporary art auction." from Art News.

Fanciful Rivard Street Plaza Carousel

Last spring, Jeffery Briggs headed up a design team to create a 28-foot carousel in Detroit, Michigan which is part of the Motor City's International Riverfront revitalization project as a ride-able sculpture.

Like Brigg’s cast reliefs, represented here at the gallery, these carousel pole-standers are done in a style that combines magical naturalism, mythical creatures and an art nouvelle style.

What's even more interesting are the drawings done for this project, over 500 were sketched. Each piece had to be approved as a drawing, then as a rough piece and as a completed, painted piece. Some drawings even went through five or six revisions before they were accepted.
In addition, this powerful sculptor will have new bronze relief's arriving this summer. Jeffery is using a new technique implemented into his process which reduces his large reliefs down by 50%. It's an amazing process, which is a water based mixture. This thick liquid is poured into the original large molding then, as the mixture dries, it shrinks down by 50% from the original size creating a new mold. This is then sent to the foundry to be cast in bronze.

All images Copyright © John Raleigh

Christopher Gowell and Steven Carpenter pair up

The pair will collaborate on a memorial that honors fishermen lost at sea, commissioned by a group of Maine fishermen. The finished sculpture will be installed on the Portland, Maine, wharf.

The concept is set and OK'd and the group is going about the business of raising funds for the project. It could be several years down the line, before the project is ready to go.

See full story at seacoastonline.com