How The Hug Is Born
The Hug Step by Step
The concept of the work
The first sculpture, 43 cm high, was titled Ritrovarsi: A man and a woman, who could be two siblings, mother and child or colleagues, move uphill to communicate, try to understand each other and finally support each other. The concept behind the work is the necessity of dialogue.
It takes effort to get close to each other and to find in an embrace a moment of comfort, as can be seen in the sloping base on which the two push their feet in an attempt to get closer to each other. It is in the mutual support that they now both find their balance.
Sculpture is commissioned and you have to think about the details
Mrs Marie-Jeanne Bosia saw my sculpture Ritrovarsi at an exhibition and fell in love with it. She chose it as a symbol and a wish to unite her family. Thus was born the order for a sculpture 3 metres high.
The work requires a meticulous study of the dimensions and proportions of the work and its structural skeleton. A study of the space destined for the work is also necessary.
The structure:
The basic structure for the full-size plaster model.
For technical reasons I chose to make the sculpture directly in plaster. The technique is called: direct plaster. As an alternative to modelling in clay or plasticine.
The plaster model is then delivered to the foundry, which will make it in bronze.
Use of polystyrene to create the core
Construction of the preparatory polystyrene structure of the actual size of the work, to support the plaster model.
The polystyrene core is light and easy to cut, so it is a good alternative for making the soul of the model by initially creating approximate geometric shapes.
From polystyrene to plaster
On the basis of the polystyrene already modelled, the plaster model is created with the desired dimensions for the bronze work. After achieving the desired harmonious volumes, one concentrates on the details.
Presentation and approval of the model to the customers
Rita and Bosia visit to see the progress of the commissioned work.
After approval of the model by Mr. and Mrs. Bosia, the foundry can take over the work.
From plaster model to wax copy
The step from the plaster model to the wax copy is done by making the negative mould in silicone and plaster.
Retouching the wax model
The wax model must be corrected with hot metal tools before fusion.
Making the casting channels
The bronze will be poured into these channels during casting. The moulds for casting the bronze are prepared.
Chiselling stage of the bronze work
Bronze sculpture not yet retouched. Next, sculpture after the chiseling and the patination.
Patination
After the sprues are cut, the sculpture is cleaned and heat patinated with acids to give it a colour. Finally waxed. And handed over to the artist. Arrangements will be made for the transport and installation of the work at the location defined and prepared before the sculpture arrives.
The space
When I saw the architectural project, I realized that sculpture was perfect for that place. The sculpture would be placed between the two blocks of the Residence under construction. Usually when I work on a commission I make proposals and propose them, but in this case I did not need it.
The inauguration
The work was inaugurated with the presence of the mayor of the city of Lugano, then Marco Borradori.
