THE MODERN BRONZE ERA
“How much?” the client asks, their voice a mix of intrigue and scepticism as they gaze upon the bronze figure in the gallery window. “Ah, the bronze,” I begin, ensuring I have their undivided attention. “If you can spare the time, please allow me to tell you the tale of bronze, then maybe the label might make more sense’ Sometimes I’m granted the time to share bronzes story, other times folks get caught up in those fancy price tags, staring at the digits as if they hold the secrets of the universe. So, for the purpose of this blog, let’s honour the journey of this timeless medium. Shall we?
We’ve all heard of the Bronze Age, right? Starting around 5,000 years ago, this versatile metal became the go-to material for crafting tools, weapons, and more. But it didn't stop there. We humans, ever the alchemists, transformed bronze into exquisite sculptures, capturing life's essence in its malleable form.
Throughout history, bronze has been the weapon of choice for master sculptors ranging from Donatello and Rodin to Hepworth and Giacometti. Each artist uniquely manipulated this versatile material to craft their distinctive masterpieces. Take, for instance, the 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo-daro - an ancient bronze sculpture from the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to around 2500 BC and one of the oldest examples of Bronze sculpture. Discovered in the ruins of Mohenjo-daro (now in modern-day Pakistan), this petite 10.5cm figure stands as a testament to the culture, trade, and artistic achievements of our ancient ancestors. It’s amazing to think of the hands that shaped her and the mind that came up with her concept, all those years ago.
So how do you create a bronze? Making a bronze statue isn’t like chipping away at a hunk of marble. It’s all about the pour, honey! Like with everything, it all begins with an idea. First, the artist sculpts the idea in clay, capturing every nuance before a mould is crafted in rubber or plaster, ensnaring the details. Molten wax then flows into the mould, creating a delicate wax replica. The artist refines it, adding the soul of the sculpture. Then comes the gating system, which guides molten bronze into the waiting mould. The wax pattern, now encased in a ceramic shell, withstands the kiln's heat, melting away to reveal a hollow mould. Molten bronze fills this void, cooling and solidifying into the final form. Imperfections are then smoothed, a patina applied, et voilà, the lost-wax casting process is complete!
Today, using the same age-old processes, bronze continues to inspire artists and creatives, finding its place in contemporary art installations and functional design. Artists like Craig Hudson continue the tradition where his sculptures are a symphony of history and modernity. Craig Hudson’s sculpture plays with confusion and contradiction. He subverts the expectations of bronze, a medium that has been used to depict classical characters from Greek and Roman mythology, with their perfect and immortal forms. His figures are human and flawed, with a mix of naivety and vulnerability, strength, and capability. They have oversized hands and life-size trainers that contrast with their roughly modelled faces and downcast posture. His juxtapositions are fascinating and unsettling. He combines elements modelled in clay with others cast directly from real objects, such as his own hands or shoes, a balloon, or a beach ball. These objects are ephemeral and fragile, but in bronze they become durable and lasting. He also adds vibrant colour to his works, which is uncommon for bronze sculptures. His works challenge the expectations of the medium and create a sense of wonder and curiosity.
It’s no lie that bronze sculptures can carry a premium when it comes to its price tag, but hopefully we have highlighted that the cost reflects its heritage and the creative process they embody. It’s a legacy of human ingenuity and urge to create. It defies the sands of time, preserving the artist’s vision for future generations.
Investing in bronze is more than an acquisition; it’s an homage to artisanship and a celebration of an art form that transcends eras. The price is a commitment to the past and a contribution to the future, making the journey with bronze not only worthwhile but also profoundly captivating.
