arts analysis

ARTS 1A: Spotlight on Technique 8

Cast Metalwork Watch the video, “Silversmithing, part 3: Casting Silver,” and address the following questions in your notebook. https://youtu.be/BuGiVz_aGPY In parts 1 and 2 of this video series (which we did not watch), a wax model was constructed by the artist and a clay mold was made to cover it. At the beginning of “Silversmithing, part 3: Casting Silver,” you see artists heating the clay mold, which causes the wax model to melt. This leaves a hollow cavity in the shape of the wax model inside the mold.

1. After molten silver is poured into the clay mold and it hardens, how does the artist get the silver sculpture out of the mold?

2. In a cast metal sculpture, what do we call the flow tubes or passageways for air to escape? (These allow molten metal to reach the cavity originally occupied by a wax model.)

3. Consider how many people are involved in the production of the horse and rider. Why do you think metal casting is an activity that an artist rarely undertakes alone?

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