Animal Sculpture: Intaglio Collection
A small horse Intaglio awaiting a frame. Texture and detail are revealed in the washes of subtle colour.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve delved into my sculpting process. Though the intervening time has been quite busy with home and family concerns, nevertheless I’ve been working in my imagination.
As an artist the process begins with my response to my subjects, whether animals or other facets of nature. It is the same with sculpting. I’ve been considering how to approach the process in a sustainable and accessible way.
I love sculpting small animal portraits in precious metal clay but the silver clay itself has become even more expensive than it already was. It’s a challenge both for me as an artist and also as a business person, to be able to create in a way that offers accessibility to my customers and collectors.
I’ve been exploring the creation of Intaglio from my original small sculptures. I love their simplicity in white and can see these becoming a pendant to wear or framed jewelry for your walls. Or perhaps both!
Intaglio are an historic method of capturing the details of artefacts, coins and the impressions of signet rings by casting plaster into a mold made from the original treasure.
I’m creating these intaglio by casting a waterproof, industrial strength plaster called hydrocal into a mold taken from my original tiny sculptures. They develop a character all their own and can be enjoyed for many years to come.
The white hydrocal can be given interesting patina, revealing details, creating new character and a sense of antiquity or can remain in their original white and be sealed for their protection.
Small white fox Intaglio in its early stages.
A small collection of horses and a wee fox Intaglio are part of the growing collection.
White horse sculpture Intaglio.
I’ll be experimenting with how to frame this collection as it grows. I hope you’ll pop back in to see how it goes.
In fact, I’d love to hear from you if you have questions or suggestions.
Cheers!
~ Renée