“The giant first appeared in the workshop before emerging into the world.”
THE CREATION OF POLYPHEMUS' HAND
The creation of the Hand of Polyphemus began long before the sculpture itself appeared.
Every piece emerges now through an intense sculptural process where gesture, structure and material slowly become form.
Each version of The Hand of Polyphemus therefore carries within it the memory of the original gesture from which it was born.
THE PROCESS
1. Making the Molds
The first creation of Polyphemus’ Hand began with the construction of an internal metal framework supporting the monumental form of the sculpture.
Around this structure, layers of clay were progressively shaped by hand until the gesture, tension and anatomy of the artwork fully emerged.
Once the original sculpture was finalized and refined in detail, silicone moulds were created to preserve every contour and texture of the piece.
These moulds became the foundation for the future bronze, polyester, fountain and illuminated editions.
2. Preparing for Bronze Artwork
The bronze edition of The Hand of Polyphemus is created through the traditional lost-wax casting process — a transformation where sculpture, fire and craftsmanship become one.
The process begins with the application of multiple layers of hot liquid wax inside the silicone moulds created from the original clay sculpture. Once hardened, the different wax sections are assembled into a complete structure and reinforced internally before the outer mould is removed, revealing the first rough wax sculpture.
After extensive manual corrections and refinements, the wax artwork is transferred to the foundry, where a heat-resistant plaster mould is created around it. During firing, the wax melts away, leaving behind a hollow cavity into which molten bronze at approximately 1200°C is poured.
Once cooled, the plaster mould is destroyed to reveal the raw bronze sculpture. The surface then undergoes a long process of welding, refining, sanding and polishing until the final sculptural presence fully emerges.
