06 FOUNDRY AND METALWORKING

My most recent creative endeavor is metalworking. I’ve taken the Foundry Sculpture class through the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning twice and completed a co-op semester at Casting Arts & Technology where I participated in professional-grade production casting.

I enjoy exploring the longevity of such a historically important material such as bronze, and thinking about how the rigidity of working with metals interacts with the fluidity of my design thinking and methodology.

During my time in the foundry I’ve learned about the process of lost-wax casting, sandcasting, and the safety procedures that go hand-in-hand with them. I’ve poured thousands of pounds of molten bronze, utilized a wide variety of both handheld and pneumatic/electric tools, learned TIG & MIG welding, and have become very interested in the mold-making processes.

The foundry is like a dance; each move requires utmost precision and communication between members of the pour team. This environment is built on unwavering trust of the team, intense practice, and knowledge of the craft. It’s hot, dirty, loud, dangerous, and scary at times, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.

Below is a non-comprehensive gallery of my own personal sculpture work, as well as photos from pours that I’ve done.