Sculpture

The first step was to create a wax model of the figure and include texture details. I enjoyed creating a model out of wax because it kept its shape better than clay. 

Then, I added wax vents, sprues, and risers to allow the bronze to move through the piece during the pouring process.

This step required me to build a box out of plywood pieces. The wax model was placed upside down inside the box and then a sand mixture was packed tightly around the model, adding a new level of plywood around as I packed the sand higher.

When the sand mixture had hardened, we removed the wood and put the sand box upside down into a pit of sand. Molten bronze was then poured into the exposed wax mold vents.

Once the bronze had cooled, I removed the sand to reveal my sculpture. Only an arm had been lost in the pouring process :)

I removed the vents, and rods with various power tools and then recreated the texture that had been lost where the vents and rods were attached.

Sand blasting to get off the rest of the sand and prepare it for adding texture :)

I added more texture using a hammer and nail, polisher, and rounded hammer.  The final step was to add a patina to give the anteater a brown color and a wax dusting to prevent rust.