The making of “Heliogabaloid” - part 1
Here are some shots of the working process on our sculpture, “Heliogabaloid”, which is currently on view at the FPAC gallery as part of our exhibition, “Exquisite What?”
The first, and longest, phase of the process is to make a wax model of our design, which will eventually be cast in metal.
The model making process involves manipulating molten wax with a heated metal tool, similar to a soldering iron, which allows us to slowly build organic-looking shapes.
We take turns working on the model, sometimes leaving specific instructions for each other as we pass the model back and forth. On average, one of our wax models exchanges hands 4-5 times before it is complete.
Sometimes it is possible to use materials other than wax as a basis for model making. In the final stage of building the Heliogabaloid, I decided to add some thorns from a locust bush. Anything flammable can be used in modelmaking.
