The Making of a Miniature

Each miniature created by master sculpture Robert Olszewski is actually a piece of sculpture that takes its first form in wax. Wax allows Robert to capture movement and feeling by adding and subtracting material. The finished wax sculpture then becomes the subject of a lost wax casting process.

Skilled artisans carefully surround the wax creation with plaster in a process known as investing the wax. The hardened plaster and wax is then fired at 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty-four hours. The intense heat melts away the wax, leaving what is hoped to be a true mold of his original sculpture. Yet, it isn't until the next step is completed that the detail of the mold is proven.

The plaster mold is then filled with molten silver. Once hardened, the plaster is broken away to reveal the sterling master. The result is carefully examined. Has the plaster cavity survived the shock of the molten silver? If it has, a perfect master will have been cast.

From this master, the reproduction molds are made. In these molds, the pewter figurines are created. Casting is done ever so carefully to insure an even distribution of material throughout the mold, a process essential to a fine casting. In the final step, each mold is broken and the sculpture removed, thoroughly cleaned, and carefully examined.

Only perfectly detailed multimedoa castings are selected for hand painting. Each figurine may take up to fifty separate decorating steps and over six weeks to complete. No two are ever exactly alike.

The result is a classical form of art. These miniature sculptures are a new statement in an old art form ... a surprise; a discovery.

Disclaimer: The information provided here comes from different sources, including dealers, sales representatives and producer. All information is checked and double-checked, but it is not official news.