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Silpi at the Forge

The bronze memorial of Iraivan Temple builders is being worked on in Hawaii and Colorado. In Hawaii, Holly Young is finishing the wax of two silpis on a pillar stone. And in Colorado Debbie Bakel is putting the patina on the Silpi at the Forge. As our slideshow proves, the creative process is dynamic, and the sketches we began with evolved. In particular, Holly made the entire forge! It so gives the authentic feel of the heating of the mild steel chisels over the hot coals. Debbie used special metallic mixes to get the color of fire. Here is the artisan's short notes sent with the photos.

The sculpture was patinaed using the same methods as the other sculptures. I used Acrylic paints and pastewax with oxide powders mixed in layers in to mimic the colors of the oven and fire.

This piece like all of Holly's pieces almost did itself. That means all the textures I needed to make a surface believable were already there, in the bronze.

I especially liked this figure. It must take strength and patience to do this job. Holly captures the strength in the figure's arms and shoulders without making it look like anything is forced. It makes me think the man has done this many times before and is one with the endeavor.

He has a peaceful confident face, another indication that the person is a Master. I love the way Holly finds the beauty in faces and especially eyes.

On April 23rd I will be applying the final wax coat to protect the bronze from your elements. It gives the last depth and I will take nice photos at that time for you.

Until then,

Sincerely,
Debbie Bakel

Enjoy the slideshow as our fourth masterpiece nears completion


5 Responses to “Silpi at the Forge”

  1. jonletman says:

    From the #Hindu Monastery on #Kauai: MT @KauaiMonastery Silpi at the Forge http://t.co/6gk6cAanyR … #Hawaii #mandir

  2. jan_jananayagam says:

    Gorgeous. The making of @kauaimonastery Iraivan temple: Silpi at the forge MT @jonletman http://t.co/6rd4W3TGz9 #Hawaii #Tamil #Hinduism

  3. Nalini says:

    WOW! beautiful work!

  4. jonletman says:

    FYI @jan_jananayagam: from 2008: @KauaiMonastery #Kauai #Hindu monks publish high-tech global magazine http://t.co/1nRTjCG3lL

  5. Lynda McClanahan says:

    This is some of the best figurative contemporary sculpture I’ve ever seen. The form is strong, beautiful and expressive. Well done!

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