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James Christensen - Sculpture -- Benediction - Bronze
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"I have always used the floating fish to symbolize the presence of life's magic," says James Christensen. "Occasionally, I've wondered whether these little guys are bringing the magic with them or are the result of it. Who is the recipient of the benediction. Is the angel blessing the fish, or in another way, is the fish blessing the angel…blessing her by its presence. The Latin on the ring, Beatus Est Pisciculus, says Blessed is the little Fish. Regardless of which came first, the angle or the fish, its important to stop and take the time to be thankful for the magic in our lives."
The Art of Bronze Making
From concept to completion, it takes several months to create a bronze edition.
Each sculpture is individually hand made using traditional methods:
• Working from original drawings, James C. Christensen and master craftsmen model the sculpture in clay segments.
• A silicone mold is prepared for wax casting and melted wax is poured into the mold.
• The wax casting is dipped in slurry, a silica compound.
• The slurry shell is heated and the liquid wax burns out leaving a rigid, heat-resistant “master” mold. Molten bronze is then poured into this mold.
• After cooling, the bronze is carefully removed and the segments are soldered together.
• The bronze is hand-sanded and polished and a variety of patinas give subtle colorations to the finished work of art.
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