The "lost wax" method of casting bronze is an ancient art, dating back at least 5,000 years. Except for some improvements in materials and casting techniques, the process remains essentially unchanged today.

Casting bronze sculpture begins with a metal armature that the artist models clay around and creates the desired image. Next, a rubber and/or plaster mold is made of every part of the clay sculpture. Sometimes the mold can be made in one piece, sometimes many more pieces are required. After the mold is made, the clay is usually recycled into a future work. Hot wax is brushed and poured into the mold to form a hollow wax pattern, identical to the original clay sculpture. A wax pattern is required for each piece that will be made.

Next , wax gates, vents and sprues, which allow air to escape and bronze to flow into every part of the mold, are attached to the wax pattern. The wax pattern is now ready to be "invested." Investing is the process of building a shell of silica, a ceramic-like material, around and into the hollow wax pattern. The wax is alternately dipped into liquid silica and powdered silica, allowing each coating to dry for a day or more. After many coats the silica mold is thick enough to hold molten bronze. This step can take weeks to complete.

The wax pattern, now encased in the silica mold, is placed in a 1500º Farenheit oven where the wax melts out, leaving the hollow mold ready to receive the molten bronze, thus the lost "wax process." After the mold cools and is inspected for cracks, it is reheated. At the same time, bronze ingots are melted to 2600ª Farenheit and the molten bronze is poured into the hot silica mold. After the piece is allowed to cool thoroughly, the silica mold, also called the ceramic shell, is removed and the bronze casting remains. If the sculpture is cast in more than one piece, the parts are welded together and the resulting seams are removed with careful grinding and sanding.

The bronze sculpture is now ready for the final finish, the patina, after a final sandblasting. Patinas are created by applying liquid chemicals to the surface of the bronze after it is heated with a blow torch. The colors can vary depending on the reaction to the bronze alloy and the intensity of the heat. Often, many coats are applied until the desired color is obtained. Acrylic washes can also be applied in same manner to obtain colors not available through the chemical process. The sculpting process is complete with the application of several coats of wax or sealer to enrich the color and protect the bronze.

Cast bronze sculpture is a durable and ageless work of art, which can provide interest, value, and beauty indoors or out, for generations to come.