Thanks for taking an interest in my artwork and how it is created. All my projects come out of my home in Johnson City, Texas, where I’ve lived since 1994. My casts are made from the nest of the invasive fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). This extremely aggressive species is especially hard on native wildlife, exterminating beneficial insect populations, as well as birds and smaller (or younger) animals which have the misfortune to encounter their nests.
Nests on the property are monitored for size until they become large enough to be a threat. When that happens, nests are flagged for casting.
Once the ground has dried out, recycled aluminum is heated to 1300° F where it becomes molten. The aluminum is then poured into the ant mound, filling the tunnels and preserving the shape of the nest. This shrinks the population to a less hazardous size without pesticides, and has the potential to kill the queen. Once cool, the cast is dug out, loose dirt is washed off, and the nest is revealed. Rocks and roots which the nest was built around are included as part of the cast.
Depending on the shape, depth and environment, the cast may naturally form an aluminum “base”, or require a display stand of wood, stone or iron. Wood and stone bases are sourced from local artisans. Iron stands are hand forged in my studio.
For details about he entire process (from aluminum recycling to display stand forging), please see the other section of this website. If you have specific questions about doing your own metal casting or forging, please visit Reddit’s metalcasting, or blacksmith forums. I (drwookie) or one of the many contributors there will be happy to talk to you.