Behind-the-Art Series - The Process
There's something truly magical about transforming a vision into a tangible piece of art that will last for generations. At Modernly Mindful, each bronze sculpture begins as an idea—a whisper of inspiration drawn from natural beauty—and evolves through a rigorious journey of precision, patience, and passion.
Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to share exactly how I create my contemporary nature-inspired bronze sculptures, from the first digital scan to the final patina.
Digital Sculpting & 3D Scanning
Every piece starts with intention. Whether I'm designing an owl symbolizing wisdom or a botanical figure inspired by Art Nouveau, I begin by creating the initial form of the pieces with small twigs and sticks. I begin to meditate on how exactly this will be created.
The 3D Scanning Process
Using specialized 3D scanning technology, I capture every detail of the original design. This isn't a quick snapshot—it's a meticulous process where I:
Map the sculpture from multiple angles to ensure complete coverage
Edit and refine the digital model, perfecting curves and organic shapes
Adjust proportions to achieve the exact aesthetic I envision
This digital phase is where the contemporary meets the ancient. I'm using cutting-edge technology to prepare for a bronze casting method that dates back thousands of years.
3D Printing with Wax Resin
Once the digital model is perfected, it's time to bring it into the physical world—but not yet in bronze.
I print the sculpture using specialized wax resin, creating a precise physical model. This wax print serves as the pattern for the casting process. The beauty of this approach is that I can create multiple pieces from a single design, though each casting will have its own unique character.
The wax model must be flawless because any imperfection will transfer to the final bronze piece. I inspect every millimeter, ensuring the organic flow and natural details are exactly right.
The Bronze Casting Process
This is where ancient artistry takes over. The wax model goes to the foundry for the lost-wax casting process—a technique that has been used for over 5,000 years.
Here's what happens:
Investment: The wax model is encased in a ceramic shell
Burnout: The shell is heated, melting away the wax and leaving a perfect negative space
Pouring: Molten bronze is poured into the cavity, filling every detail
Cooling: The bronze slowly solidifies, taking on the exact form of the original wax model
The result is a raw bronze casting—rough, unfinished, but unmistakably powerful.
Finishing & Patina
The final week is about refinement and bringing the sculpture to life.
I carefully clean and finish each piece, removing any imperfections from the casting process. Then comes one of my favorite parts: applying the patina. This chemical process creates the rich, earthy tones that give each sculpture its unique character.
Every bronze piece develops its own personality during this phase. The patina interacts with the bronze differently each time, ensuring that no two sculptures are exactly alike—even when cast from the same design.
The Earth Connection
What makes these pieces truly special is their connection to the landscape that inspires them. I incorporate natural elements throughout my work:
Jade and granite from local sources
Quartzite with its distinctive desert character
Cactus wood and hickory that tell stories of survival and strength
Leaves from local Arizona trees
These materials ground each sculpture in place, creating contemporary nature spirits that feel both timeless and distinctly me.
Why the Long Process Matters
In a world of mass production and instant gratification, taking time to create each sculpture is intentional. This process ensures:
Exceptional quality: Every detail receives the attention it deserves
Artistic integrity: No shortcuts, no compromises
Lasting value: These pieces are built to become heirlooms
Unique character: Each sculpture carries the mark of handcrafted artistry
From My Studio to Your Space
When you bring home a bronze sculpture from Modernly Mindful, you're not just purchasing art—you're investing in a piece that carries focused creativity, ancient techniques, and contemporary vision.
These contemporary nature spirits are designed to bring mindfulness, wisdom, and organic beauty into your environment. They're conversation pieces, meditation focal points, and tangible reminders of the natural world's enduring power.