What is a Gargoyle?

Gargoyle is most often applied to medieval works, but throughout the ages it was adapted as, " a means of water diversion". In ancient architecture, gargoyles typically took the form of a lion's head. Similar lion-mouthed water spouts were also seen on Greek temples. Many medieval cathedrals included gargoyles. The most famous are those of Notre Dame de Paris. Although most have grotesque features, the term gargoyle has come to include all types of images. Some gargoyles were depicted as monks, or combinations of real animals and people, many of which were humorous. Unusual animal mixtures, or chimeras, did not act as rain spouts and are more properly called grotesques. They serve more as ornamentation, but are now synonymous with gargoyles.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Video showing bronze gargoyle door knocker fabrication

This video shows the following process , metal chasing, welding, patina and assembly for a bronze gargoyle door knocker. Foundry used - American Fine Arts Foundry

For more of my bronze creations, please visit my bronze art site handsofcaesar.com 



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Gargoyle door knocker wax positives

Here are the wax positives I have inspected and approved. The next step is to gate them for the ceramic shell process.

gargoyle door knocker wax reproductions

gargoyle door knocker wax reproductions

gargoyle door knocker wax reproductions

Monday, February 13, 2012

Final gargoyle door knocker proof before mold phase

At this point the proposed gargoyle door knocker is ready for the mold fabrication. As soon as the client approves this phase, the unit will be delivered to the foundry.


bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

bronze gargoyle door knocker

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Gargoyle shield hinge and strike plate fabrication

The images below show the completed shield/hinge and strike plate for the gargoyle door knocker. The white half circle is the strike plate and will be located directly behind the gargoyle's lowest point.







This last image shows how I will use a 1/4" threaded rod and nut to secure the door knocker to the door. The actual nut will be an embellished bronze knob I will fabricate to fit the theme. The strike plate will also be installed in the same manor. The the short threaded rod depicted above will be used to prevent the knocker from being unscrewed from outdoors. Moreover, it will help to keep the door knocker aligned with the strike plate.  

Once the client approves this phase I will begin the detailing of the gargoyle.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Gargoyle shield and strike plate fabrication

The background shield that will suspend the gargoyle from the wings has been fabricated in walnut. Plastic letters are utilized to spell out "HAUD VEREOR" a Latin phrase which means, "no fear"

We are currently looking into the correct spelling. My version, has "havd" vs "haud". I believe, "haud" is correct.

The blue tape on the shield is where the hinge will be located. The hinge will also be fabricated in wood.
(The wood sections will be molded in order to produce the wax reproductions)

The strike plate will be embellished with some designs. I have not decided on the design yet.

gargoyle shield and strike plate fabrication

gargoyle shield and strike plate fabrication

gargoyle shield and strike plate fabrication

gargoyle shield and strike plate fabrication

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Gargoyle wings fabrication

Here is the video showing how I semi detailed the gargoyle's wings. I used an alcohol torch and stainless steel tools to form the clay.

Live sculpting broadcast by HandsofCaesar.com

The top screen is used when I am broadcasting live from www.ustream.tv/channel/tutorial%3A-how-to-sculpt-in-clay---artistsculptor

When I am not broadcasting a list of current short movie clips are played.

I will try my best to embed the short videos recorded from the live broadcast on this blog.


Dog, Wildlife, Action Figure; Fantasy sculptor
click here or on the image to see me live on
my ustream.tv channel... 12:00 - 6:00 PM PST