Stop Motion
Sculpting in a variety of media and casting in bronze or bronze resin, Jane Shaw creates dynamic sculptures that capture the energy and movement of animals and wildlife
Working in her Dorset studio, Jane Shaw sculpts in clay, wax or plaster and scrim to create sculptures that are then moulded to be cast in bronze or bronze resin at her chosen foundry. From race horses to boxing hares, her bespoke and limited-edition pieces are bought by private clients, galleries and garden designers. “I’ve always loved the three-dimensional aspect of art and focusing on form and shape,” she says.
“If someone gave me a piece of stone to carve I could only take away from it. Whereas when I work I can take away and add, and I like to leave my thumb marks as well as tool imprints as an integral part of the finished surface to create a sense of movement and emotion.”
Most of her large garden sculptures are cast in bronze resin – a mixture of bronze powder and resin – although increasingly clients are investing in bronze. Bronze is heavier, cold to the touch and more costly due to the complicated ‘lost wax process’ that is used for casting. Bronze weathers to an alluring shade of green over hundreds of years, but an immediate patina can be created by applying chemicals and heat. It can also be lacquered to prevent natural ageing. Bronze resin, meanwhile, can be given a patina with specialist painting and bu ng. This will dull over time, but it can be reconditioned.
“Some sculptures take years to create and others as little as a month, dependent on scale, intricacy and whether it is a special commission or my own more spontaneous exploration of a subject,” says Jane. “For bespoke pieces I spend time with clients and their animals in their own surroundings taking photos and videos before developing several maquettes to help clients agree upon the position of the final form.” janeshawsculpture.com