“Transformation” Bronze by Louise McDowell
“Transformation” bronze by Louise McDowell at the Seattle location, it will be moved to the Italy site later in 2023.
Transformation is an important theme for Deborah Stachowic, and for developing the current Italy B & B villa and property into the Art and Cultural Center she has envisioned for many years. This sculpture captures the essence of how transformation changes how we move forward in our lives and will be on display at the villa in Italy. Art has the power to transform and through art we are able to experience life more fully. Villa di Transformazione or Villa of Transformation is the center of the creative energy for the artists attending the art workshops, and visitors to the eventual Art & Cultural Center and the Garden of Remembrance, as well as other projects Deborah is considering developing for the Italy Arts Foundation Project as well.
Two views of Louise McDowell’s bronze, “Transformation” at the current Seattle location.
Movement and transformation are the hallmarks of a Louise McDowell bronze sculpture, clearly evidenced by the dramatic figure entitled “Transformation” in which a larger-than-life figure of a woman emerges with wings. The figure depicts a moment of great change, a swerving from the expected path, of creation. There is power in the movement expressed in this piece, signifying the exertion of one undergoing such a transformation. From simply evoking a spirit of joy, to awakening a new direction or touching some deep sorrow, the work becomes an inspiration and a release for the spirit.
The Process of Creating the Sculpture
Line drawing to wax model, are both part of the process of casting a bronze sculpture
“Creation of a wax model is the first step in creating a bronze sculpture. Once the original is formed, the piece is taken to a foundry to be cast. Large sculptures require portions to be cast and reassembled as one piece.
A rubber mold of the original is taken prior to casting. This step is necessary to reproduce a hollow wax of the original, to eliminate armature material that had been used in the construction of the piece, and to permit duplicate waxes for limited editions.
The hollow wax is then invested in a waste mold, with core material suspended in the space. This mold is cured in a kiln; the wax drains out of the mold leaving a hollow space into which bronze is poured. This is called the “lost wax” process.”
Process quote from Louise McDowell’s website: LouiseMcDowellSculptor.com
Louise McDowell has been a sculptor for over forty years. Her art expresses a remarkable ability to portray ordinary people doing ordinary things. Her amazingly fluid sculptures, large and small, represent the range of emotions - from exhilaration to despair. Whether it’s children running, Native Americans racing canoes on local rivers, a child lovingly holding a baby chick, a mother racing with her two children to catch the next bus, or three women gossiping on a lazy summer day, Ms McDowell’s pieces capture the very essence of what it is to be human.