Behind the Scenes: The Games People Play

After a year of intensive work, painstaking hours of sculpting, moulding, and countless journeys to the foundry, I am beyond excited to share the very first behind the scenes pictures with you of my latest series: “The Games People Play”. I won’t lie – I’m incredibly proud (and a little exhausted! ), but this entire process was a blast, a huge learning curve and source of accomplishment.

Although this theme seems very whimsical on the surface, it explores the intricate and often manipulative nature that define our social interactions.

“Art matters, because it keeps the human spirit from vanishing into routine. It reminds us that we are alive and capable of wonder.”

A little bit of background: At first, I build all the elements out of clay.  It then gets sent away to have moulds made, and I receive the wax models to finish them off, make changes and finalize the final model. It then enters the next phase which is casting in bronze. This process also takes a while, since it needs another mould around the final wax model, surrounding it with a refractory mould, then melting out the wax, and filling the void with molten bronze. It is therefore called the “lost wax method“.

Once cast, the bronze requires meticulous finishing off, welding on elements (like horns or wings) and polishing, before each one receives its unique colour combination (yes, I changed my mind quite often). The patina is applied using a heat-based method to induce a chemical reaction, and finally, seal and protect the finish. 

It’s a truly a magical transformation! Watching my original sketches take on a vibrant 3D life, is the most thrilling part of the journey.  

It was cast by Renzo Vignali Artistic Foundry, which is the oldest foundry in South Africa with an incredible history.

I would love to share this series with you, as well as the story behind it. 

Hope to see you at my exhibition!