Art of Wax

PUBLISHED BY ARTMATTER

Title: Art of Wax
Author: Elsa Tierney
Contributions: Sarah Davis and Robert Worley
Editor: Melaina Barnes
Photography: Xandru Zahra
Design: Dan Wescott
Dimensions: 215 × 266 mm, 8 ½ × 10 ½ in
Extent: 272 pages, 310 illustrations
Format: hardback
Publication date: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-7395484-0-7
Language: English

Art of Wax is a comprehensive guide that explores the artistry of wax in carving and modelling for jewellery-making and sculpture. The book offers insights into the personal approach of artist Elsa Tierney working with hard and soft waxes and showcases the fine art practices of fellow artists Sarah Davis and Robert Worley.

Sarah Davis creates maquette-like 3D drawings using soft wax, which she later carves in wood. Robert Worley demonstrates the process of melting, pouring, and moulding wax to sculpt mystical and animal-inspired creations.

Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, professional jeweller, or sculptor, this book caters to all skill levels. It combines traditional approaches with contemporary experimental methods, introduces different types of waxes and their properties, outlines essential tools, and provides step-by-step instructions for carving and modelling.

The book also explores the alchemical aspects of wax, emphasising experimentation and offering practical advice on recycling. It also features a chapter on the Japanese wax technique ‘Mitsuro Hikime’ for creating organic forms in jewellery.

Art of Wax references artists who incorporate wax in their practice and includes historical examples from Egyptian signet rings, Benin Bronzes, and Antique Wax Moulages.

Through the technical and creative guidance in the book, the book will help you realise your unique designs and discover new approaches to working with wax.

The book is divided into seven chapters, each covering an aspect of wax.

Chapter 1 Carving and Modelling Wax
Chapter 2 Maquette Making for Sculpture
Chapter 3 Melting, Pouring and Moulding Sheet Wax for Sculpture
Chapter 4 Mitsuro Hikime
Chapter 5 Alchemy
Chapter 6 Carving a Signet Ring
Chapter 7 Wax as Art Form