The-Tao-Of-Bronze.com is Information about bronze art work
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The TAO of Bronze - Home Page
Description
The TAO of Bronze is pleased to announce a new line of fine art bronze sculptures based upon Asian art and culture. Our sculptures represent a contemporary exploration and interpretation of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism.
For the first time in history, the unique integration of concept and imagery merges the eight abstract trigrams of the Taoist I Ching with the Taoist monks of The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting. Also titled The Tao of Painting, The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting is a revered collection of ink drawings collated in 1679, by artisans in Nanking, China. They were reproduced by wood block to preserve the best ink drawings by ancient masters of such subjects as bamboo, cherry blossoms, wild orchids, and Jen-wu; the depictions of people. Through the exceptional skill and experience of artist Shelley S. Curtiss, long time student of the Tao, this lovely imagery has manifested in The Mustard Seed Garden series of eight, half life-sized bronze sculptures.
The eight bronzes can be used in any combination to reflect the different readings of the I Ching. They include Mountain (Stillness), Thunder (Movement), Lake (Joy), Fire (Illumination), Water (Caution), Wind (Following), Earth (Receptivity), and Heaven (Strength). Each is a signed and numbered limited edition of 64 by sculptor Shelley S. Curtiss.
Additional Information
What is a Limited Edition Bronze? When Shelley S. Curtiss finishes sculpturing a clay model in her studio, she delivers it to her foundry where duplicates of the clay model will be cast by the lost wax process in bronze.
At that time, she declares exactly how many duplicates she intends to sell. For example, Mountain, is an edition of 64, therefore, as each of the bronzes are produced, they are numbered 1/64, 2/64, 3/64 etc. The edition is Sold Out once all 64 castings are completed. In addition to the 64 castings which will be produced from the mold, the artist also casts two more copies which are numbered Artist Proof (AP) 1/1 and Foundry Copy (FC) 1/1. Then the mold is destroyed. Another bronze will never be produced from that mold.
What is a Lost Wax casting? When the original clay model is delivered to the foundry and the size of the edition is declared, a rubber and fiberglass mold is made of it. From that rubber mold, the original model can be duplicated by pouring hot wax into the mold and building up several coats. Once the wax is cooled, the mold is opened and the duplicate emerges. This wax pattern is then coated with layers of ceramic material to create an investment shell. Once the shell is dry, it is fired to set the shell, the wax pattern melts out and molten bronze is poured in. The shell is removed when the metal is cool and then the sculpture is painstakingly welded together and finished. Sounds easy? It isn't!
The highly skilled artisans who cast and finish Shelley S. Curtiss bronze sculptures at a foundry in NE Oregon are among the best in the nation.
How is Pricing Established on a Bronze? The pricing of a bronze sculpture is dependent upon several factors. They include: a) the complexity and size of the sculpture, (the bigger and more complex, the more it costs) b) the size of the edition, (smaller editions are worth a higher investment on the part of the buyer) c) the popularity or fame of the artist, (popular artists command higher prices) d) the number of sculptures remaining in the edition, (as the sculptures in the edition are sold, they escalate in value) e) occasionally an artist will show an original clay model before it is cast and offer the buying public a pre-cast price, which is the lowest price a buyer may pay, (once the pre-cast sculptures are cast in bronze, the value of the remaining bronzes again escalates in price).
How can I Secure my Bronze in my Outside Environment? All Shelley S. Curtiss bronzes suitable for outdoor installation come with stainless steel nuts welded securely into the base from which threaded stainless steel extensions may be attached. These extensions can then be set into concrete or mortar. If you need further information about your particular installation, we will be happy to speak with you personally.
How Do I Care for My Sculpture ? All Shelley S. Curtiss bronzes have traditional patinas that are induced oxidization of the bronze surface, requiring the application of heat and chemical acids. There is no paint, by any name, on these sculptures. The richness of the patina is enhanced by applying a coat of hard wax while the piece is still hot, and, then hand-rubbing the surface to a smooth sheen once it is cooled. All pieces intended for indoor display may be dusted with a soft cloth, wiped with a damp cloth and lightly hand buffed, taking care not to rub through the wax down into the patina. To add an extra sheen, spray the soft cloth with Lemon Pledge, aerosol only, and polish the surface of the bronze lightly. Some outdoor pieces are finished with a high quality sealer which requires no waxing.
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