Willow (dipping your toe in)
“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
― Erin Hanson
“Willow” ~ named after one of the most mysterious and seductive trees. I love the way a willow trees branches can delicately linger over the edge of water ~ like the bronze ‘Willow’ dipping her toe in - both have a presence of strength & balance. Willow stands poised with her arms and wings outstretched, embodying the delicate balance between courage and uncertainty.
In life, we often find ourselves facing similar moments of decision-making, where we must choose between taking a risk or playing it safe. The fear of failure can sometimes hold us back from living life to the fullest, leaving us rooted in doubt and worry.
In the face of uncertainty, we can learn to harness the energy and grace embodied by Willow's wings. We can find the courage to fly, knowing that even if we fall, we have the tools to pick ourselves back up and try again.
Life is fleeting and precious, full of moments of both elegance and magic. By embracing the spirit of Willow's wings, we can find the inspiration we need to live each day to the fullest.
always limited edition series
made in UK/Ireland by family foundries
quality bronze metals used (88% copper)
certificate of authenticity for bronzes
Suitable for in or outdoor settings.
Contact Dawn for viewing, payment & delivery options email: hello@dawnconn.com
Willow / Foundry bronze
Sculptures can be shipped world wide at cost, no VAT payable on exports outside the UK
Size:
Metric – H: 125 W: 110 D: 55 centimetres (height / width / depth)
Imperial – H: 50 W: 43 D: 21 inches (height / width / depth)
Weight - 55 kgs
Medium: Foundry bronze
Foundry Bronze : The first stage of making a bronze is to sculpt the original out of clay, plaster or wax. Dawn uses different materials: e-poxy resin / vintage textiles soaked in resin and other reclaimed items.
This is built up over a steel and aluminium anatomical skeleton known as an armature. Over this original sculpture a silicon rubber mould is made to form a negative of the original.Into the mould molten wax is slushed in and then poured out and allowed to cool, to form a hollow wax positive.
The seam line where the mould fitted together is then worked out and the sculpture cut up into castable sections.To this a series of wax runners and risers is fitted, and these allow the molten bronze to flow in and the gases to come out.
Once the wax is 'sprued up' it is coated inside and out with liquid ceramic and grit built up in layers to form a strong heat-resistant investment around the wax.This is then baked upside down in an oven allowing the wax to melt out - hence the term 'Cirdu perdue or lost wax.
This forms a negative space of the original into which molten bronze can be poured at 1200°c. Other metals such as gold, silver and stainless steel can be cast using the same method.
When the bronze has cooled, the ceramic shell is chipped away and the sprues cut off. To remove the ceramic from the surface detail the bronze is placed in acid, which breaks down the investment.If the bronze has been cast in several pieces, it is now welded together and chased.
This is a highly skilled process recreating any surface detail.The sculpture is now ready to be heated up and applied with various chemicals, which form the finished patina/colouration of the bronze.
Production time: 8 - 10 weeks upon receipt of deposit