Jim Racine Bronze Sculpture
Course in lost wax ludo mould bronze casting.
ceramic shell casting also available.
Jim's casting courses are designed to give an in-depth and very practical understanding of the classic renaissance process, which has only been fine tuned in the last centuries and remains essentially the method used by Donatello, Cellini, Ghiberti and Giambologna. The process is still used today around the world but is increasingly rare, now overlooked in commercial foundries, which prefer ceramic shell, sand casting and various digital processes moving towards printing directly in metal. However, despite the process’ age, it still holds many surprises and can do some stuff that the others cannot, and many things equally as well.
This is a hands-on course for individuals or very small groups, suitable for all levels, from beginner to masterclass. You will discover everything you need to know about fine art foundry, the highest, most prestigious art form technique, taught by Jim Racine.
The day rate for one-to-one tutoring is £150 plus materials. alternatively, if 2 people can share a session it is £170 per day [£85 each] plus materials.
the course usually lasts 4 to 5 non-consecutive days, from a wax to a finished bronze.
materials usually cost around £35 to £45 per mould and bronze is currently £14.60 per kg. there is a casting fee of between £60 (small: a hand sized piece up to 3kg) and £100 (medium: head sized piece, bronze weighing 6kg) per mould depending on the size of the object.
Usually day 1 is spent making a suitable wax form, day 2 spruing and making a ludo mould, then the mould is cast - the bronze pour can be viewed on a casting Friday. Days 3 and 4 are for metal finishing and patina. Sometimes more time is required to form the initial wax and less time finishing, often after the first day a wax can be taken home and worked on at leisure so please plan time for this if it suits you. The course can be fairly physical in places and the length and level is down to the individual.
Prior to a course, I do recommend a visit to Butley Mills Studios where we can discuss your project and find the strategy to make your work the best way and save you time and money, alternatively we can also correspond online and you can send me drawings or images of your ideas.
the studios are unheated and full of materials which can make you wish for older, often warmer clothes. The process involves hot wax and dusty plaster, and metal finishing has equal hazards, so all participants must wear full-length strong clothing, covering wrists and ankles, preferably in natural fibres with no flappy bits to get caught. Strong leather work boots or shoes are a must.
If you have any dust-masks/gloves/face-shields/ ear-plugs or goggles that you prefer to work with please bring them, although these basic health and safety items will be supplied.
Butley is located on the Suffolk heritage coast and so there are many options for b+b, inns and self catering apartments [even across the road at the cottage and butley mill- and soon at the oyster pub] and nearby at Orford. summer would require very early booking. there may be limited cheap, but very basic options for camping on site, please ask for availability. there are tea, coffee and a microwave and fridge on site. For any personal needs please contact us. The studios do, in the main, have disabled access.
The bronze casting course is a fascinating experience and I am sure that you will thoroughly enjoy it. I look forward to seeing you.
Jim
