Emergence of Form: Rose B. Simpson's 'Behold'
See how a 25-foot bronze begins as clay.
From a life-size original to PMMA prints, and hand-finished patina, this is the journey of Behold coming to life at our Rock Tavern foundry.
These maquettes serve as preliminary models that showcase original designs and intricate markings. The small-scale sculptures allowed Simpson to explore proportions, textures, and details before committing to the more complex and permanent medium of bronze.
The PMMA prints serve as a crucial foundation for Simpson's piece, leveraging the unique visual properties of acrylic to enhance its aesthetic quality. PMMA enables innovative techniques such as layering and backlighting, creating depth that engages viewers from different angles.
Once the sculpture was cast in bronze, the individual components that had been created through the casting process were assembled. Then, the finishing touches were applied to the surface of the sculpture.
All the parts were welded by joining different pieces and melting them together, allowing them to fuse as they cooled down. It was then ready to receive a patina to transform the surface of the bronze, enhancing its colour and texture.
The 25-foot-tall, 3,380-pound sculpture was stood up to check the patina and finishing progress. The patina process not only protects the sculpture from environmental damage but also adds depth and complexity to its appearance.
The rich hues of yellow, red, and brown that emerged from the patina created a striking balance of light and shadow, giving the sculpture a sense of vitality and movement. After a few more patina checks, the sculpture is ready to be sent to the SFMOMA.
Image Credit: Chris Roque, courtesy of UAP | Urban Art Projects
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