Bronze Ducks

These bronze casted ducks represent an exploration of transformation. Originating from a vintage mold, the ducks are reimagined in bronze, a material that speaks to permanence as well as transformative change. Ducks are constantly on the move either migrating, swimming, walking, or flying. To me they represent the inevitable changes that every living thing experiences in this life. Year after year, a group of ducks return to the same locations, embodying the cyclical nature of time passing and the continuation of life. As for the material, the bronze used in this piece was salvaged from a historic sculpture that had been melted down years ago, further amplifying the theme of transformation through the bronze itself. By reusing this material, I aim to reflect on the impermanence of objects, as a bronze object can last for millennia, but will it? Whether passed down through generations or melted down again, this piece welcomes discussion about the longevity of art and its value across time. Bronze casting itself is a labor-intensive and intricate process, starting with a wax model that is then used to create a plaster mold. The mold goes into the kiln to melt away the wax which is known as the lost wax casting process. Then, molten bronze is poured into the mold to take the shape of the empty space in the mold. The mold then gets broken apart and the final piece is refined through hours of metalwork. While creating these ducks in bronze took far more time and effort than making them in clay would've, I've found joy in the process and would eagerly repeat it, if given the chance.