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Learn about Miniature
Bronze Tigers for purchace.
The process of creating the work began with creating a one-third-size clay model, which upon approval was molded and a thick wax casting made from the mold. This wax was shipped to San Fernando, California to a business called Daniels Engraving, which, three- dimensionally scanned the one-third tiger thus creating a digital file of the work. From this file the tiger was digitally enlarged and then milled, or cut, in high-density polyurethane foam. These foam blocks were then shipped back to Louisville and assembled at Matt’s studio. There were 12 foam tiger blocks to assemble. After some foam alteration the foam tiger was sealed and oil clay was applied. In some cases the clay was only a 1/16 of an inch in depth in others - nearly two inches. In this stage there were some physical alterations made to the form and face of the tiger. Once this was finished the tiger was again molded and taken to the Bright Foundry for casting. Once cast the 16 metal parts were hauled to Weir’s studio and prepped, then welded together for final chasing and patina. Throughout, this time the stone was being carved, stained and sealed.
The process of creating the tiger involved over a dozen Louisville citizens whom contributed assistance or professional criticism throughout the process and until completion. There names are: Dave Bibelhauser, Scott Boyer, Jep Bright, Glen Dentinger, Colleen Doyle, Ted Edgell, Raymond Graf, Ed Hamilton, Adam Horton, Ezra Kellerman, Meg Lawler, Scott Massey, Mike Ratterman, Brad White, and The Louisville Zoo, thank you. With special thanks to Colleen Doyle, Raymond Graf, and everyone at the Bright Foundry, for without their support and confidence this project would have never began.
The Tiger (not including the base) measures approximately eleven feet from the outstretched swatting paw to the tip of its tail plus five feet of height and seven feet of depth.
The bronze tiger weighs approximately 1000 lbs. (a half ton).
The stone weighs about 6250 lbs and began as a rectangular stone measuring 8’ x 4.5’ x 18,” weighing nearly 8000” lbs.
The overall installation took about three hours.
Read more about the Lost Wax Process |
