Page 14 - HIWT Spring 2013 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

WIlDCAT SCUlpTURE pROVIDES CENTERpIECE AT

kOkOMO HIGH SCHOOl

The Walter Cross Field and athletic
complex in Kokomo, Indiana, has a new
centerpiece of art that welcomes fans and
visitors. It is the work of Matthew Gray
Palmer, an artist who grew up in Ohio
and now has his studio in Friday Harbor,
Washington.

The steps to create the 1500-pound
sculpture began with making a full-sized
clay sculpture, a process that took about
six weeks. Once formed, a flexible rubber
mold that captured all the detail was
made. Wax is molded inside the rubber
and a ceramic shell mold is then created.
The wax is melted away and molten bronze is poured into the The entire process took about seven months. Kokomo fans
pieces. Once the bronze cools, the ceramic shell is broken felt it was worth the wait! The work of art was made possible
away and the cast bronze sections are welded together. Palmer through donor support and the Kokomo Public Schools
then carves the texture into the weld seams so the seams are Education Foundation.
not visible, and completes the sculpture by sandblasting and
adding a patina to give it a rich, brown color. More of the work of Matthew Gray Palmer may be seen at
http://www.matthewgraypalmer.com/

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