Artist at Work

     Every sculpture by Charles Rice begins with an idea, feeling or emotion.  Charles then takes that inspiration and begins an extensive research process into his subject matter.  He often spends months on research before beginning the sculpting process.  Every measurement must be perfect and accuracy of the subject matter is crucial.

Charles then builds a wire frame known as an armature.  Clay is applied over this wire frame and the sculpture takes shape.  As the artist works the clay begins to take on a life of its own and each detail is carefully added.  Finally, after many hours of sculpting the piece is complete and ready to go to the foundry.

     Once at the foundry the mold making process begins. A 2 part mix rubber solution is applied onto the clay sculpture in several layers. As it cures the rubber becomes flexible and a mother mold is placed over it to maintain the integrity of the piece.  The clay is then removed from the mold and hot wax is poured down into the mold. The mold is removed from the wax once it cools.

     The artist must then check the piece to make certain every detail of the original clay sculpture has remained in tact through the mold making process. A ceramic shell mold is made over the wax in layers.  Each layer must dehydrate before the next layer is added.  This process takes about 2 weeks.