The Lost Wax Process

Amy Goldman’s Rare Forms are created through the ancient “lost wax” process. The casting takes months from start to finish. A perfect homegrown melon, squash, tomato, or gourd arrives at the foundry. What nature has provided will be turned into art.

1. The Mold

A rubber mold with a plaster “mother mold” is made of the specimen. The plaster forms a shell over the rubber, giving shape and structure to the mold.

2. The Wax Casting

The rubber and plaster mold is made in two parts so that the original specimen can be removed. Hot wax is painted onto the rubber.

3. The Wax Model

The hot wax cools and hardens, forming a positive replica of the specimen. Each intricate feature is captured in this wax model.

4. Ceramic Shell

A system of sprues is attached to the original wax model. The sprues are the avenues for the bronze to flow when it is poured into the casting. A ceramic shell is formed over the wax replica. The hard heat-resistant shell, with the wax inside, is placed in an oven. The wax melts away and is “lost”. Everything that was wax is now empty space.

5. Casting

Molten metal is poured into the ceramic shell. Everything that was wax is now bronze.

6. Patina

A beautiful patina finish is created on the bronze surfaces. Substances like copper nitrate are painted on and heated with the flame of a torch to add color and shading to the sculpture.

7. Signature

After the patina appears, one more step is needed to make the sculpture complete: a unique number is stamped to mark the limited edition and the artist engraves her signature on each completed work of art. The bronze sculpture leaves the foundry to join the gallery of Rare Forms.