First, oil based clay is modeled to create an artist rendering of the subject. In this case, the subject is a life sized man. This is where most of the time is spent. The rendering has to be perfect, before moving forward. Next, a mold is taken of the piece in plaster of paris and then wax is applied to the mold. Once the wax sets up, it is removed from the mold carefully. The wax rendering is then coated in shale. The wax is melted out, leaving a shale negative of the original. Finally, molten bronze is poured into the shale negative. The shale is broken away with a hammer and various other tools, leaving behind a bronze with the same contours as the oil based clay original. At this point many long hours are spent grinding, welding and banging out all of the inperfections in the metal. Whats left is a shiny, smooth bronze liking to the original artist rendering in clay. Up until this point, the process used is known as the lost wax process. The final step before the masterpiece is complete, is called the patina. Various chemical compounds are applied to metal, to color it accordingly. Once the process is completed, a based is applied, and the work is ready. Below are some of Jack's works. Click the slideshow link on the very bottom, for a more extensive view of his work.

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