A Legacy Cast in Bronze

Published on May 12, 2026
Duration: 9:40

This video details Gunwerks' artist-in-residence program, celebrating their 20th anniversary with a limited 20-piece bronze sculpture. The sculpture, created by artist Tanner Lauren, depicts the struggle of building a business, symbolized by a sheep hunt. The process of lost wax casting, including clay modeling, mold making, wax pouring, and patination, is explained. The artist shares his personal journey into sculpting after a foundry accident, highlighting the challenges and rewards of bronze work.

Quick Summary

Gunwerks is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a limited edition of 20 bronze sculptures created through an artist-in-residence program. The sculptures, designed by artist Tanner Lauren, symbolize the struggle of building a business, inspired by a sheep hunt. The creation process involves lost wax casting, patination, and draws on the artist's extensive foundry experience.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Artist in Residence Program
  2. 00:11Concept: 20-Piece Bronze Sculpture
  3. 00:33Symbolism: Sheep Hunt and Business Struggle
  4. 01:04Sculpture Details: Bighorn Sheep Model
  5. 01:26Introducing Artist Tanner Lauren
  6. 01:41Sculpting Process Overview
  7. 01:52Lost Wax Casting Explained
  8. 02:35Foundry and Patina Process
  9. 03:29Clay Properties and History
  10. 04:22Artist's Journey: Foundry Accident
  11. 04:48First Sculpture and Bucket List
  12. 05:18Completing the First Sculpture
  13. 05:28Challenges of Bronze Artistry
  14. 05:50Artist's Foundry Experience
  15. 06:32Appreciation for True-to-Life Shapes
  16. 07:11Project Plan and Timeline
  17. 07:44Foundry Logistics and Deadlines
  18. 08:08Project Goals and Delivery Timeline
  19. 08:33Artist's Studio Environment
  20. 08:50Upcoming Events and Travel
  21. 09:07Project Progress and Anticipation
  22. 09:24Utilizing the Bronzes for Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gunwerks artist-in-residence program?

The Gunwerks artist-in-residence program is a special initiative launched to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary. It involves creating a limited series of 20 bronze sculptures that symbolize the challenges and triumphs of building a business, inspired by the iconic sheep hunt.

How is the bronze sculpture created?

The sculpture is created using the lost wax casting process. Artist Tanner Lauren first sculpts the piece in clay. A mold is made from the clay, into which wax is poured. This wax model is then used to create a ceramic shell, and molten bronze is poured into the cavity after the wax is removed. The final steps involve welding the pieces and applying a patina for coloration.

Who is the artist behind the Gunwerks bronze sculpture?

The artist is Tanner Lauren, a local artist with extensive experience working in a foundry for 21 years. His personal journey into sculpting began after a serious foundry accident, and he is known for his focus on authentic, true-to-life shapes in his work.

When will the 20th-anniversary bronze sculptures be available?

The goal is to have all 20 bronze sculptures completed and ready for delivery by the end of the year, which is approximately within the next four months from the video's recording. This timeline is influenced by the busy schedules of foundries.

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