Resin Sculptures

Resin sculpture refers to sculptures cast using fiberglass resin. This durable, lightweight material can be painted and glazed to resemble a variety of other materials including stone, marble, or even porcelain. It has become a popular material for creating smaller statues, figurines, jewelry, and other collectible items.

Resin is created from a combination of materials such as urethane, epoxy, polyester, and silicone. After the sculptor has created an original model from clay or wax, a mold is created by covering the model with a liquid molding material. The mold is then separated into individual molds for different parts of the sculpture, and a liquid resin mixture is poured in to create the resin sculpture.

The use of resin by artists is new, but it is an increasingly popular material choice due to its relative affordability and the ability to make multiple copies with ease. Artists such as Nick Cave and Mike Kelley have incorporated resin into their sculptural and installation works.

Quick Facts

• Nick Cave's metal-framed resin sculpture "Soundsuit" sold at Sotheby's New York in November 2015 for $150,000
• Mike Kelley's "City 6/No. 1" made of a combination of acrylic, resin, and wood sold at Sotheby's New York in May 2011 for $98,500
• A common issue for sculptors during the casting process is the formation of air bubbles in the resin. The incorporation of powdered bronze helps this issue