SCULPTING
SCULPTING: ONE OF OUR MOST TIME-HONORED TRADITIONS
Sculpting, one of our oldest and most cherished skills, allows us to create custom portraits on our clients’ coins. It is a craft that requires immense talent: the ability to maintain a dual artistic and technical vision of the project while perfectly meeting the client’s expectations.
THE INITIAL STAGE
THE ART OF EVOKING EMOTION
The sculptor first receives what is known as a “1:1 scale” drawing of the future product—a preliminary 2D version created by the designers.
The sculptor then steps in to create an enlargement, which is generally 2.5 times the size of the final subject.
This process provides a more precise view of the motif, as sculpting adds intricate details and, most importantly, depth to the 3D project.
Next, a bas-relief is developed using plastiline (more commonly known as modeling clay).
The unique quality of this type of sculpture is that it can be painted while maintaining a subtle, low-relief profile.
THE ART OF DETAIL
FROM CONCEPT TO DETAILED MODEL
Guided by their intuition and experience, the artist defines the primary volumes of the subject, which can be more or less pronounced depending on the client’s needs.
For a portrait, for instance, it is essential to refine every detail, which is often more intricate than the representation of a building.
The sculptor then pours plaster over the bas-relief to create a “negative” mold, which captures the imprint of the clay.
They refine this hollow mold and then pour plaster over it once more to produce a positive cast.
The final, exquisite finishing touches are meticulously applied to this last version.
