These past few months, I’ve had to get into a whole new category of tools in order to do the color on the bronze work. A hand cart and a blow torch have been essential. Color on bronze is an alchemic process called “patina” which combines natural elements, air, rain, chemicals plus heat. There are some ancient recipes that involve burying the bronzes in dirt or peeing on them- all natural – and then you let the air do the oxidizing. The pee recipe would work better for male sculptors, the French sculptor August Rodin instructed assistants at his studio to urinate over bronzes stored in the outside yard.
I’ve done my patinas with common chemicals, liver of sulphur, vinegar, salt, lemon juice and ammonia. I’ve applied heat with a propane flame thrower. To get the flame you have to use an old fashioned sparker and pray the spark and the propane like each other. If they do the flame sprays out forcefully and if you don’t think ahead it can ignite paper, your work pants, or melt plastic containers. I’ve done all of the above and survived. The ultimate goal is to heat up the section of bronze you’re putting patina on to about 200 degrees, then you apply whatever chemicals needed. I’ve had a palette of blacks, browns, reds and greens.
I’ve also discovered that moving bronze sculptures is an athletic effort, steel toed boots and a hand truck are required. Where are those assistants when I need them?
