About
Founded in 2014 by Vancouver-based artist Kambiz Sharif, Sharif Art Foundry has been a creative hub for over a decade, providing top-notch bronze casting services to artists worldwide. Our team combines artistic vision with technical expertise to deliver exceptional results that celebrate the creative spirit. Trusted by renowned artists globally, we invite you to join us on a journey of transforming dreams into enduring works of art.
Services
At Sharif Art Foundry, we employ cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques to ensure the utmost efficiency and precision in our casting process. From conceptualization to final delivery, we maintain close collaboration with our clients, ensuring that their distinct specifications are meticulously fulfilled at every stage of the process.
Our expertise spans across a wide array of materials, encompassing iron, bronze, aluminum, and more. With a deep understanding of the unique properties inherent in each material, our team stands ready to offer informed guidance to help you select the optimal choice for your project.
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Mould Making
In the intricate process of mold-making, we begin by enveloping the original sculpture in silicone to meticulously capture every detail. Following the curing process, we reinforce the mold with a fiberglass jacket to ensure structural stability. This meticulous technique preserves the essence of the artwork with unparalleled precision.
Wax Casting
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Upon completion of the silicone mold, our team transitions to the wax casting phase. They meticulously apply hot wax into the mold, achieving a thickness ranging from 5 to 8mm, a crucial determinant of the final bronze thickness. After the wax has cooled and can be extracted from the mold, the meticulous process of wax fettling commences. Using an array of sculpting tools, along with white spirit and a Bunsen burner, seams are carefully refined.
Subsequently, the refined wax pattern undergoes treeing, wherein wax runners and risers are strategically affixed to create a tree-like structure. This setup serves as a precursor to the ceramic shell investment phase. By establishing channels, the wax is then burned out, leaving behind hollow pathways. These pathways allow for the uninhibited flow of molten bronze during casting, ensuring precise and accurate results.
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Ceramic Shell Making
In our ceramic shell room, an integral part of our Foundry's bronze casting process, we meticulously coat the wax with a ceramic slurry, building up to 12 layers depending on the piece's size. Each layer is reinforced with fused silica, ensuring optimal shell thickness for the upcoming burnout stage. After the shells are prepared, we proceed with wax elimination. This involves removing the cup's bottom and creating air vents in the runners before placing the shells in the kiln. Heating to around 700°C, the kiln effectively removes the wax and incinerates the cup, leaving behind flawless shells ready for casting.
Bronze Pouring
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Now, as our shells are prepared for pouring, we meticulously heat the bronze to 1100°C in the furnace while the shells are carefully warmed in the kiln at around 800°C. Once the bronze reaches its molten state, we delicately position the shells in the sand pit for stability, readying them for the precise pouring process.
Metal Work
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Once the shells have been poured, we carefully remove and clean them, utilizing angle grinders and chisels to eliminate the runners and risers. The pieces then undergo sandblasting to ensure a thorough removal of any remaining ceramic shell. Subsequently, our skilled metalworkers meticulously carry out the process of chasing and fettling, delicately restoring all intricate details to match the original artwork. For larger sculptures, tig welding may be required to join sections of bronze together seamlessly. This demanding process requires years of dedication and expertise to master, but the impeccable quality achieved makes every moment worthwhile.
Pantination
After the metalwork is finished, the piece transitions to the patination station, marking the culmination of its foundry journey and the beginning of its new life as a stunningly crafted artwork to be admired by all. From raw bronze to final wax, the patination skillfully applies a range of chemicals and di-oxides to achieve the desired finish, which can vary from traditional bronze to more artistic interpretations. The patinator shoulders one of the most critical responsibilities in the entire process, ensuring that the colour is meticulously matched to fulfill the client's vision.
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