Process: Aluminum Foundry

You may already know I'm a junkie for artist's process.  It's my primary muse for fiction.  I have a soft spot for sculpture and the tangibility of getting up in there with one's materials.  Especially if the materials are transformed by fire! 

If you've never seen aluminum sand-casting, check this out.  It's a concept similar to the making of sand candles on the beach.  Often a one-off project can be made by carving a piece of styrofoam, embedding it in a bucket of sand (WITH proper ventilation--styrofoam vapor is no joke!) and pouring in liquid aluminum to burn away the styrofoam and take on its shape.

This little foundry can be made at home!  Recycling!  Fun!