The process required to create our achievement awards is different for each type of award: bronze sculpture awards, pewter sculpture awards, crystal awards, glass awards, custom-cut metal awards, etc.
Each of these processes is unique and fascinating, and requires the work of highly skilled artisans with many years of experience. Understanding the many steps involved in each of these processes adds to the appreciation of these awards, and helps our customer understand the time, effort, skill and artistic ability required to create them – these are not simple products “stamped out” in a factory overseas.
Here are some behind-the-scenes captures of how a custom bronze sculpture award is finished.
A number of steps are required to “finish” the bronze sculpture award. First, the sprue lines are cut off.
Next the sculpture is sand-blasted to remove any other unintended particles left over from the bronze pour. Following that, any parts that were separately cast are welded back together.
Finally, the bronze sculpture is ground (similar to sanding) using power tools and progressively finer grades of sandpaper-like material. This step, called “chasing”, requires many hours of physical, labor-intensive work.
Each sculpture is individually crafted; thus, each piece is “one of a kind” – no two pieces are identical. The idiosyncrasies of each sculpture add to their beauty and uniqueness, and are part of what establishes them as true works of art.
For a full overview of all of the artistic steps in creating a bronze sculpture award, please visit our “How It’s Made” page.
This unique custom award will officially be unveiled by our partner organization next week. We are excited to share the final look and the special recipient presentation.