Vilem zach biography for kids

The Work

I'm sure you are asking yourself "how is it made?" Well, to help you understand the production of Vilem's sculptures, he uses what is called the "Lost Wax" process which originated in 2500 BC.

Before starting anything, you need to create your piece from wax or clay. Vilem uses clay as it is much easier to shape, and once that step is completed the mould is created. If the piece is too large, or has longer parts that may not mould properly it is usually cut into two or more parts, depending on size and complicity. Lets take the life-size "Torch Bearers" for example. This piece was divided into roughly 100 pieces in order to fit into the kiln.

Once the cutting part is complete, a done made of either plaster or fibreglass then surrounds the clay to support the rubber that is later poured inside, thus producing the "negative" of the original.

The original is removed and replaced with three coats of hot wax. Each layer must be evenly applied and completely cooled before the next layer. This produces a hollow wax copy called "chased"

The wax piece is then inspected to make sure all bubbles and imperfections are filled/fixed before it is "spruced". These are rods of wax that are attached to the wax mould, allowing air or any gasses out while the pour is in process. There is a silica mould poured on both inside and outside of the wax shell. Then it is fired in the kiln at an approximate temperature of 1000°-1250°F (538°-678°C). Most of the wax is melted if not burned away, which is where the term "Lost Wax" comes from.

To replace the wax, the bronze is finally poured into the mould. Once solid (yet still hot) the silica mould is chipped away. Remember the 100 pieces made out of the life size "Torch Bearers"? This is when the sculpture is then welded together.

The bronze is once again "chased" by re-sculpting and sandblasting and remaining imperfections before the final step of colouring. This is all done by using different patinas (easily recognized as various chemical compounds or acids.) A torch heats the bronze before applying the acids to archive the desired coloration. Finally, to get the perfect shine and coat of protection, there is a thin layer of wax put onto the final pieces.

Each and every bronze should be signed, numbered, and accompanied by the artists signed certificate.