Mechtild Born, born in 1941 in Munster, describes herself as a self-studier. She can be placed in a row with many famous artists who found their way to sculpture quite late.

Mechtild Born models her works from inside out. She doesn’t leave behind modelling clay, but accomplishes it, discusses it and breathes her artistic spirit in. That is her secret! This way there appear lively creatures with body and soul: cute, sociable and playful at the same time.

"My aim is not fineness of the most realistic presentation, but a shape, which leaves space to the viewer’s imagination." (Mechtild Born)

Mechtild Born has a reputation of the master of animal sculpture. Her works for the World Wildlife Fund prove that. Her sculptures were exhibited nearside the creations of Emil Schumacher, Markus Lupertz and Klaus Staeck.

An alloy of copper with other metals (especially with tin) used since ancient times.

Bronze casting:

When casting bronze, artist usually applies the lost-wax technique which is dating back more than 5000 years. It's the best, but also the most complex method of producing sculptures.

Sculpture "The Book Reader" by Ernst Barlachs is shown here as an example:

First, the artist forms a model of his sculpture. It is embedded in a liquid silicone rubber composition. Once the material has solidified, the model is cut out. The liquid wax is poured in the negative mould. After cooling down, the wax casting is removed from the mould, provided with sprues and dipped into ceramic mass. The ceramic mass is hardened in a kiln, and the wax flows out (lost mould).

Now we finally have the negative form, into which the 1400 ° C hot molten bronze is poured. After the bronze had cooled down, the ceramic shell is broken off and the sculpture comes to light.

Now the sprues are removed, the surfaces are polished, patinated and numbered by the artist himself or, to his specifications, by a specialist. Thus, each casting becomes an original work

A plastic work of sculptural art made of wood, stone, ivory, bronze or other metals.

While sculptures from wood, ivory or stone are made directly from the block of material, for bronze casting a working model is prepared at first. Usually it is made of clay or other easily shaped materials.

The prime time of sculpture after the Roman antiquity was the Renaissance. Impressionism gave a new impulse to the sculptural arts. Also the contemporary artists, such as Jorg Immendorf, Andora, and Markus Lupertz enriched the sculpture with outstanding works.