Modification of Conventional Casting Techniques: The Adaptation of „Lost-clay‟ Technique for Casting Metal Sculpture

Abstract

Foundry technique in sculpture is not static but keeps developing to meet contemporary needs. The study aims at showcasing a metal casting technique which will serve as an addition to the conventional methods adopted in metal-casting by sculptors. The new casting technique called “Lost-Clay†which entails the use of clay in similar manner wax is used in cire perdue (Lost wax) technique. The theory of Material Substitution was adopted to explain the research. The main objective of the study is to introduce cheap casting technique with emphasis on its usefulness in casting metal sculpture, and to improve metallurgy. The study adopts a descriptive research approach. The information for the research was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources are mainly oral while the secondary sources were written materials (published and unpublished). Clay is principal research material manipulated to obtain the mould used for casting. It was sourced locally and it was found to be cheaper than wax. At the end, metal sculptures were cast using the “Lost Clay†techniques to ascertain its material effectiveness and suitability. The study revealed that the technique is easy to handle, economical, and suitable for casting sculptures in metal. The researcher calls for more study in this area of study in line with Nigerian quest for innovation.