Maria 433
Pushing into uncharted processes with TIG brazing with Silicon Bronze, and hand working the metal, Maria’s unusual cranium was a push into uncharted processes for me. I started by shaping the two nuts that comprised of her head with a sturdy bench grinder, then worked at it with hand files. Using some TIG brazing silicon-bronze, I filled out the gaps. I then hand filed more, so her cranium was smooth. I love the way the bronze subtly comes through with the file marks, so I decided not to leave my brushstrokes as is. I kept the ‘ears’ small for her as I wanted to highlight this new breakthrough.
Maria’s graceful pose was built with great care and purpose; her torso, neck, and head are very vertical, her arms in a helical pose. Her neck has the range of a typical human, allowing for the body to twist while maintaining eye contact with the viewer.
Her hands are most expressive, fashioned from ubiquitous machine screws and square nuts, whittled away with hand tools, notched and bent just so.
Hand shaped bronze rings add the final touches of color and line to her fluid form.
I expect Maria will be have many subtle influences showing up in upcoming works.
Completed 18 November 2025
15.5 x 5 x 4.5″
3 lbs, 1.1 oz.
$700.00
Available
