Lost Wax Process Explained in the Artist's Own Words:

"The process begins when I make a model in metal, usually copper. These models are usually of a single component part of one of my pieces of jewelry. Certain pieces of jewelry such as the insects have up to and above 25 separate component parts, so quite a number of models are made before anything else is done.

These models are the original designs from which all duplicates are made.

A separate vulcanized rubber mold is then made of each piece. Molten wax is then injected into these rubber molds.

Each of these individual wax pieces is set onto a wax rod. These rods are each placed on a rubber base and a graphite cylinder is placed over them. High refractory plaster is poured over the rod to fill the cylinder. They are then placed in a kiln and the wax is melted away, hence the name lost wax.

Molten metal, sterling or bronze is then injected either centrifugally or under vacuum. The cast metal parts are then snipped off the rod, which is now metal also. The pieces are then polished and finished."