What is resin?
In regard to resin sculptures, you mix part A chemical with part B chemical and you get a plastic substance that could be like silicone caulk or hard as rock. While plastic has the stigma of being a cheap material, that is not necessarily the case. There are many grades and types of plastic. Resin sculptures have been embraced by the fine art community. The cheaper plastics are used in mass production. Artists usually use the finer grades of plastic to hand-cast their pieces or hire a service to do so.
How are the sculptures created?
First I create a master/original using artist's sculpting resin, which is quite hard when dry. At this point I could paint and sell it as an original or I could use it as a master (left) and make a mold (right) with a silicone or polyurethane molding resin, which is more like silicone caulk. Then I mix another type of resin and pour it into the mold. When it is hard, I have a copy of the master, which I can paint or finish as I desire.
Cold Cast Bronze
This is resin plus bronze powder. I do not merely coat the surface of the sculpture with bronze powder as is suggested by some resin manufactures. I mix the maximum amount of bronze with the resin. The cards are heavy. Usually I apply patinas and antiquing, which bind with or react to the metal. I only use paint for special effects (eg: a cat’s eye). The cards are then waxed or sealed with polyurethane. Cold Cast Porcelain is resin plus porcelain powder.
Variable Finish
Most of my resin editions will be variable finish. It depends on the resin design. Most will have some pieces cast in bronze and some in plain resin. The painted resins could be similar or different. They can either be open editions (I make as many as I desire or there is demand for) or limited editions (a predetermined amount of 250 or less is made).
How to Care for and Display Your Resin
See my Artwork Care & ACEO Display page.