Process

Lighthorse Design created a unique steel sculpture in our welding studio using rod, hammered steel and steel mesh.

Effort was made to capture the horse head form and proportions.

A decorative wall-mounted piece resembling a crocodile or alligator with detailed patterns and design elements.
A sculpture of a rabbit's head, with its face and ears made of a metallic-looking material and an intricate, patterned design on its neck and lower face.

At Lighthorse Design, our expert 3D technicians translated and manipulated the digital file created by 3D scanning the original horse head sculpture.

Several different versions were printed in resin.

A black and beige decorative mask resembling a dog, with a black sculpted dog's head on top and an open framework base.
A horse riding helmet with a face guard and a chin strap.

Our casting foundry at Lighthorse Design utilized the resin copies to create molds that are an intrinsic element used in the ancient technique of lost wax casting.

Wax heads are cast when the resin is melted out leaving a cavity, impression.

These are examples of wax heads that were poured into the molds.

Decorative wall art of a horse's head with a lattice design and a separate lattice piece, both in a blue-green color.

The wax heads are placed in a plaster-filled cylinder. The cylinder is heated upside down so the wax slowly melts out, leaving a hollow cavity. The cylinder is then turned upright and filled with molten bronze or stainless steel. Bronze melts at about 1742–1922°F; steel at about 2550–2790°F. After the metal cools, the casting is cleaned of plaster and prepared for patina and polishing.

Decorative sculpture of a horse's head with a lattice pattern and geometric designs.
A bronze decorative sculpture of a horse head intricate lattice design and ears standing upright.
A metallic sculpture of a rabbit with mechanical parts, featuring a body and head made of shiny metal, with wire-like appendages extending from the head and body.

At Lighthorse Design, expert finishers apply patinas to the bronze.

Collection of various wood stain color swatches arranged in rows.
Metal wire sculpture of a horse's head with black and white coloring and detailed features.
Metal wall art sculpture of a horse head with detailed features and a shiny patina finish.

At Lighthorse Design we offer a stainless steel wall sconce that can be either an indoor or exterior light. It can have glass blown into the fixture for durability. Custom order in any size to suit your application.

Metal wall art sculpture of a horse head with detailed features and lattice work.

Glass Blowing
By merging the artistry of glass blowing with our established expertise in metal casting and 3D printing, we can create bespoke sculptures and installations that are not only visually striking but also durable enough for outdoor environments. Our high-quality glass pieces are designed to withstand the elements while maintaining their elegance and charm.

Each piece is crafted with precision, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and artistic vision.

Decorative horse head bronze sculpture with detailing and glass.

Our fixtures are easy to install and work with interchangeable colored bulbs, letting you change lighting for any occasion, mood, or season. Brighten indoor and outdoor spaces with style and a touch of our signature artistry.

Every Lighthorse Design piece begins the same: raw metal, a welding studio, and a clear idea. After the first weld, the sculpture is 3D scanned, resin printed, and cast in bronze or stainless steel using lost‑wax. The process blends old and new techniques because great craftsmanship always has.

The artist Peggy Silverstein wearing a welding mask and apron is working on a dog sculpture in a workshop. The sculpture of the dog has a metallic collar, and the artist is welding and soldering.