Page 76 - Wax Fusion Spring 2022 Issue 6 WIP v19

Finally, we would love to know a bit more about your processes.

You’ve generously offered to share a bit of that with us. Tell more!

I use many processes in my work and I’m always
experimenting! But here’s a brief overview: I usually begin by

modelling my subject in clay, for example, an animal or portrait
bust. At this stage the form is intact and does not have any

decoration or detail. When the clay sculpture is complete, I take
a mould from it using silicone rubber. I then cast the sculpture

in layers of pigmented wax reinforced with polyester resin.

Once the sculpture is demoulded, I move to the second stage
of the process, a kind of ‘unmaking.’ I make cuts in the piece

and peel back the layers, creating ‘wounds’ or cavities. I then
create elaborate cornucopias of flowers and fruits in these

internal spaces. Fruits are sometimes cast and sometimes
modelled; flowers made from poured sheets of wax. I like the

interplay of elements cast from nature and others that are
invented and I also enjoy working very spontaneously with the

wax at this stage, maybe also applying molten wax with a
brush, tearing and folding wax sheets, allowing the generation

of unexpected forms and juxtapositions.

Melancolia
Wax and polyester resin

103 x 53 x 46 cm

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