Artist Lawrence Noble, best known for his impressive sculptures of Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda (which greets visitors to the Lucasfilm campus in the Presidio) recently unveiled his latest contribution to Star Wars -- two bronze sculptures of Darth Maul. StarWars.com chats with Noble about the new Darth Maul art, his bronzing process, the "Lost Wax" technique and more.
Why did you decide to do two different bronze treatments of Darth Maul? What was Gentle Giant's role in the project?
Gentle Giant sells the smaller, more affordable editions of my larger works. The Obi-Wan and Yoda smaller-edition bronzes have proved to be quite successful. In light of that, Gentle Giant decided to put out Darth Vader and a Darth Maul as a set. I did the two Darth Maul bronzes as product development, testing two different casting methods and two different patinas (surface coloration) to see which one worked best. I was most pleased with the results, although, I liked the darker patina best, the lighter patina might work best for the smaller edition. I did feel that the darker patina gave Darth Maul a more artistic -- sinister -- look and showed off the texture of the sculpture. Also, it focused more on the eyes -- the soul of the character -- maybe soulless in Maul's case.
Can you explain a little about the bronzing process?
The art of bronze casting is one of mankind's oldest art forms. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans did it. It is an ancient form of artistic expression and every generation, or civilization for that matter that practices it gives their own unique interpretation of the craft. The physical craft has progressed over the years, however, so much of it is the same process that was handed down to us. It's probably why I love the Jedi, with their traditions and history.
Can you explain the "Lost Wax" technique you used on the Darth Maul bronzes?
"Lost Wax" is a technique of bronze casting. Imagine completely coating a wax figure that you have sculpted with cement; encasing it. Now let the cement dry and harden. Next put the cured cement containing your wax sculpture into a kiln. Heat the kiln up to 1,700 degrees. While it is heating up, heat your bronze up to a molten state of 2,000 degrees. If you have left a cavity for your wax to pour out, the intense heat of the kiln will create an empty space where your figure used to be, hence the term "Lost Wax." Next, pour the molten metal into the cavity left by the wax, and let it cool. When the bronze has cooled, simply knock off the cement, and you've got a bronze! You don't actually use "cement," but it is similar and cement works better to explain the process.
Why do you like finishing your bronzes at The Artworks Foundry in Berkeley, Calif.?
The Artworks Foundry is a huge part of the Noble Studio Team. I've worked with them for well over 20 years; they are like family! They know me as an artist and I trust them to do the best work. They are the foundry that has cast all of the pieces I've done for George Lucas. Aiya Jordan-Kawasaki, their Patineur, really understands my artistic sensibilities to the extent that we can communicate instinctively on an intuitive level. Whenever I leave my mountain enclave, where seclusion is the rule, I feel so energized to be at Artworks, talking and working with other artists; it is always such a joy!
How does your experience working on this Darth Maul bronze differ from your other Star Wars bronzes?
Art is a process, not a destination. On the path of art lie many levels. As each new level is approached, and then mastered, the next level reveals itself. The Darth Maul piece took me to another level, in my opinion, and gave me a glimpse of the next one. I am an artist and an artist needs inspiration. Michelangelo went to the mountain to get his, I went to see Star Wars! The story, the characters, the vision and the universe have all inspired me to communicate, or express my infatuation with it. Through this bronze cast vehicle I express my wonder and joy of traveling through the universe that George built!
See more art on the Lawrence Noble web site.
