Photography by Heidi Wastweet
In August 2018, I attended a sculpture workshop at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina that was conducted by leading American medalist and sculptor, Heidi Wastweet. One week of creative exploration, connecting with surroundings, new friends, good food and fun in the sun. We were tasked to design our own Brookgreen Medal. We created sketches, clay models, plaster casts, rubber molds, then off to the foundry.
Six months later… the finished cast in bronze!
My design was inspired by the rich plant and animal life and the vibrant everyday activity (even among the smallest creatures) that one experiences while walking through the gardens.
Photography by Heidi Wastweet
The sculpture was crafted in high relief with hand-modeled textures in order to appear as organic and spontaneous as possible. I especially enjoyed carving mirror images of the letters by hand. Thank you, Heidi, for your finishing work and for applying this amazing patina… it turned out even better than what I imagined.
One of the highlights of my summer, this experience will be long remembered.
Chris Costello 