We are continuing to follow the production phase of the Le radici auree (Golden Roots) art work by Mariagrazia Pontorno. The sculpture will be placed near the San Francesco Beech Tree in Rivodutri (Province of Rieti) and inaugurated in September [see news: In the Shade of the Beech Tree].
The bronze sculptures on which the artist is working are inspired to the gnarled roots of the monumental tree on the “Cammino di san Francesco.” The project is one of the winners of the Regione Lazio Call for art on walks: Arte sui cammini.
“The process for the development of the sculpture is ancient,” explains Mariagrazia. "The Pietrasanta tradition attracts artists from around the world to produce works alongside great masters. It’s a complex process with steps that require patience and dedication, as well as the time required by the materials, rather than our own need to hurry.”
After the clay moulds that we talked about last week, this week we will look at the silicon shells supported by plaster.
“The following step involves brushing hot wax onto the mould to obtain a perfect stamp of the shape. The wax can be moulded with iron tools to model it further. Once the wax stamp is ready, it can be touched up before applying sprues that are secured to the mould with nails.”
