6000 Years and Counting: New Invention Revolutionizes the Arts
By Avonie Brown
( an interview with John P. Beckley )
Published in "every wednesday " February 21st 1996
A PRODUCT OF THE AFRO AMERICAN NEWSPAPER
John P.Beckley's enthusiasm for his work is undeniable and infectious. As he darts to every corner of his home, he unearths one treasure after another, as I sat there, awed by the art and the artist.
Nestled in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Montgomery County, Maryland.... John creates "treasures" that are an antithesis to his surroundings. These bronze "treasures " harken back to thousands of years of African artistry and ingenuity.
Beckley's passion is creating works of art in bronze that define, and are defined by, his African roots. Even his technique, "lost wax" bronze casting, is decidedly Africa inspired. "What I'm doing now is still virtually the same technique handed down from African communities hundreds of years old," said Beckley. In fact he has documented that today "Benin metal workers still cast using only the most rudimentary equipment, beeswax, clay and fire." Beckley's near reverential discussion of the beauty that is produced by this seemingly unsophisticated method, in part explains his quest to preserve and promote our knowledge and understanding of the history of bronze casting. But John Beckley has also added his own creative drive and intelligence to the process.
After years of focused commitment and determination, Beckley researched, designed and built an "electric pot" that significantly changes the way an artist approaches metal casting. Beckley refused to reinvent the wheel, so he took advantage of existing technology in the design of his "electric pot". He reasoned that since NASA is able to insulate a space shuttle that experiences extreme temperatures both hot and cold, an "electric pot" that melts bronze should be possible to construct.."I simply got on the phone and called them (NASA) up and asked them about their insulation ..."and they told me what I needed to know.......I went straight to the people that had the information."
His invention (The Melting Pot®) promises to revolutionize the casting process. A process that could take several persons ,and heavy equipment...more than one week to complete, can now be streamlined and completed in a few days by a single person..with a very few tools......and knowledge of the process...
To hear John explain the process, and then to see it's simple execution, as I was privileged to do, leads me to believe that all you need is a creative vision and patience, to create your own masterpiece in bronze.
First your vision must be transferred to a creation in wax; this `waxed' art-piece is then coated in a plaster type material that will ultimately form the mold. This coated form is then subjected to intense heat..about 1500 °F... The heat not only melts and burns out the wax, but it also hardens the plaster, completing the formation of the mold.
The MELTING POT(tm) is used to melt the bronze; it is able to melt about 7.5 pounds of bronze in approximately one hour. Bronze melts at about 2000 ° F.
The molten bronze is then poured into the mold. As the molten bronze cools it hardens, assuming the shape of the mold. After the metal cools, the mold is broken away from the metal and your creative vision is now a realized ....in bronze.
It is this simplicity and ease that makes the MELTING POT(tm) a much sought after invention by metal artisans. The MELTING POT(tm) is very lightweight allowing for portability, and it plugs into a household electrical socket and is so well insulated that it's outer "skin" is no hotter than a warm pot on top of a stove..About 350 ° F .."I can pack this (the Melting Pot ® ) up, load it in my car and take it with me ...without any problem...," beams Beckley. "I have demonstrated the technique in many school and museums around the country. Teachers can use this system to teach their students to cast bronze, without to many safety concerns," he adds.
Beckley's own extensive collection of his own creations is in keeping with his focus on the integrity of the art form and not with mass producing for profit. He works not on demand but when inspired. His inspirations are never predetermined and often come from such mundane things as a shampoo bottle or the broken spring from his front door or a bowl of grits.. Excitedly Beckley declares, "I never know from where or when it will come...sometimes I don't know what the "work" will be until I see it.. Finished... When the inspirations can I am free to do what I want..with them. It is spontanoous and sometimes downright spooky...I've done pieces that I still don't know where they came from." John adds .." that none of my business " and smiles.
This refusal to allow others to compromise his personal artistic statement, is refreshing and encouraging. He suggests that the only rule that guides his creative process is his continuing search for ways to express Africa's art and culture.
Beckley is equally commitment to "passing on" his knowledge and invention, in the name of maintaining the legacy of casting. He expresses a commitment to providing a forum for young people in America's inner cities, and rural areas...to explore and expose their creative potential.
"I want to see one unit (MELTING POT ®) in every inner city school and rural areas.. because there is some serious talent in all these kids and somebody just needs to give them the right tools and a helping hand," says Beckley.
While this suggests a new and exciting chapter in Beckley's creative journey, the story did not begin here, but instead stands on the shoulders of the over 6000 year old history of casting metal, and metalsmithing.. And, if John P.Beckley has his way this story will never end...
Foot note........ On July 23rd 1996 the U.S. Patent Office issued patent
............................Number 5539183..........................................
To John for his Melting Pot® furnace...
Copyright April 1996 Avonie Brown All right reserved
6000 Years and Counting: New Invention Revolutionizes the Arts