'found'
Technical Information.
The Sculpture was cast in bronze using the lost wax method. All pattern work was created by hand using wax modelling techniques to make hollow forms for direct lost wax moulding.
Moulds were prepared by investment process from plaster with grog and/or molochite as refractory material, before de-waxing by kiln firing to 600°c.
The bronze (Leaded Gunmetal 3) was melted in a crucible using a home made propane-fired and ceramic fibre-lined oil-drum furnace, before introduction to the moulds.
After casting the pieces were retrieved by breaking the waste moulds, removing the core and cutting off runners and risers. After fettling the elements were assembled by welding and various mechanical means. A total of 256 castings combined to form the 23 structural elements.
Tacking was achieved by DC Arc-welding with bronze electrodes, before welding with Oxy-acetylene torch using runners and risers of parent metal as filler material. Some silver solder and brass filler rod were also employed.
After welding and structural work grinders and a small army of files were used for final forming and surface preparation. Much of the bronze was polished and heat treatment and chemical patination were also used to achieve tonal values.
Fluorescent emulsion paints were overlaid in various combinations to create the final colour scheme before waxing and buffing. The sculpture fluoresces when lit by UV black-light. This is how the work is intended to be seen.