Ken Auton
Ken Auton qualified as a jeweller in the mid 1970's, working in Auckland and London, before applying jewellery making techniques to his meticulously detailed bronze wildlife sculptures. New Zealand fauna, such as the 'Weta' insect species and 'Tuatara' reptile are anatomically correct and life like. Humpback Whales and Pacific Octopus sculptures are fluid, animated studies of these fantastic creatures from the ocean domain. At his tranquil rural workshop north of Auckland, with his wife Carol's encouragement, these collectable bronzes are produced in limited numbers.
Bronze sculpting process
Ken Auton employs the lost wax casting process to make his bronze sculptures. He carves a wax model of his subject by hand, exactly as it should appear as a finished sculpture. Owing to the complex form of the creature he has carved, the wax model may need to be broken down into separate parts which are then cast in bronze at an Auckland foundry by a casting specialist.
These bronze components of his sculpture will then need to be re assembled by welding them back together very carefully. Texture and patina are applied to the sculpture surface, and if required a suitable base will be made for his larger works. Finally his signature is engraved into every artwork.
Get in touch
Gallery Pacific Address
Gallery Pacific
Shop 8, Queens Arcade
34 Queen Street
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 308 9231
Email: nick@gallerypacific.co.nz
