What about bronze???

[diane555]

It seems to me that bronze has always been the material of choice when it comes to sculpture...but how are the newer casting materials being accepted by galleries and the public in general? I have seen many sculptors sites that work in varied materials, hydrocal, resins, forton, paper, cement etc? If an artist is trying to do everything in bronze they would have to have an unlimited checking account or max out their credit cards.

I have seen some pretty strange stuff in galleries in recent years and was just wondering if any of you find it difficult to sell items in these other materials. I would think it would make your work more available to a wider audience then if you offered only bronze pieces. Any thoughts appreciated.

Di :)

[max nelson]

Di..I don't pretend to be an expert on this, just my own observations. Generally, if it is considered 'fine' art most gallaries show only sculptures in bronze. A foundry owner in Taos once showed me a very fine piece in hydrocal with the comment that he tried to get the artist to cast in bronze since it didn't cost that much more to do and would ad much preceived value to the piece.
As far as selling..there are many artist casting in bronze and their pieces are not selling while many others are going to pewter, cold cast etc and they are selling. However, many of these art works are large editions priced inexpensively and the preceived value is also less. So I think it all depends on the market you will try to reach...volumn or the collector buyer. If you are a known artist with the 'name' you could probably make it out of sawdust and it would fetch a big price. Does this make sense?
Max:)

[diane555]

Hi Max

Thanks for the comments and, yes, it makes perfect sense. It also explains why I am seeing such odd stuff in galleries. But then, maybe the galleries I have seen of late have such a varied clientelle they can get away with anything...who knows. So maybe the whole idea is to market yourself like you ARE a 'somebody' and maybe get away with it eh??? :D

Have a good one
Di

[diane555]

oops...forgot to mention something. I LOVE pewter. Always have. I love the way it feels, the way it looks, everything about it. But I guess you go with whatever works then eh? (geeesh, have to stop saying 'eh' somehow...it gives me away) LOL

Di :)