Art of Wax is a comprehensive guide that explores the artistry of wax in carving and modelling for jewellery-making and sculpture. The book offers insights into my personal approach to working with hard and soft waxes and also features the sculptural fine art practices of fellow wax working artists, Sarah Davis and Robert Worley.

Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, professional jeweller, or sculptor, this book caters to all skill levels. It combines traditional approaches with contemporary experimental methods, introduces different types of waxes and their properties, outlines essential tools, and provides step-by-step instructions for carving and modelling.

The book also explores the alchemical aspects of wax, emphasising experimentation and offering practical advice on recycling. It also features a chapter on the Japanese wax technique ‘Mitsuro Hikime’ for creating organic forms in jewellery. 

Art of Wax references artists who incorporate wax in their practice and includes historical examples from Egyptian signet rings, Benin Bronzes, and Antique Wax Moulages.

Through the technical and creative guidance in the book, I aim to help you realise your unique designs and discover new approaches to working with wax.

After months of research and development, Art of Wax published by ArtMatter is ready to go to press. You can support through donations, purchasing pledges and spreading the word would be greatly appreciated.

STRUCTURE AND DESIGN

The book is divided into seven chapters, each covering an aspect of wax.

• Chapter 1 – Carving and Modelling Wax 


• Chapter 2 – Maquette Making for Sculpture 


• Chapter 3 – Melting, Pouring and Moulding Sheet Wax for Sculpture 


• Chapter 4 – Mitsuro Hikime


• Chapter 5 – Alchemy


• Chapter 6 – Carving a Signet Ring


• Chapter 7 – Wax as Art Form


Art of Wax is published by ArtMatter a UK-based publishing company specialising in books on art. Written by Elsa Tierney with contributions from Sarah Davis and Robert Worley. The text is edited by Melaina Barnes with book design by Dan Wescott.

The pages include over 200 technical images photographed by Xandru Smyth Zahra, Victoria Twal, and Elsa Tierney. 

The book showcases captivating works by Blossfelt, Cezanne, Degas, Giambologna, Lalique, Moore, Monet, and Pollock juxtaposed with ancient artworks.