More about Mark Hopkins

THE PRODUCTION PROCESS

From the artist's hands to the final polish, many steps are involved in the creation of a limited edition bronze sculpture. First comes the reproduction mold in which layers of silicone rubber and plaster are carefully applied to the original artwork. When hot wax is poured into this reproduction mold, an exact replica of the original sculpture is produced.

The wax replica is carefully removed from the mold, inspected, and refined or "chased" by hand, removing any flaws left by the reproduction process. Wax sprues, or gates, are added, as is a ceramic cup, which will at a later stage channel molten bronze into the shell to create the sculpture.

The next stage is the creation of the ceramic shell. Over the period of several days the wax replica is alternately dipped into a vat of liquid slurry, then a vat of silica crystals, and allowed to dry. The process is repeated until a shell of sufficient thickness and strength is attained.

The completed shell is placed in a high temperature oven, to melt and remove the wax in the classic "lost wax" method. The hardened or "fired" shell is then secured and molten bronze is poured into the impression left by the wax. When the bronze has cooled enough to handle, the ceramic shell is chipped, then sandblasted away.

The cup and gates are removed and skilled craftsmen weld, "chase" and polish the bronze to remove imperfections and restore the texture and integrity of the original sculpture.

Carefully applied chemical solutions or "patinas" create the varied shadings of the metal, which are then sealed with wax to complete the process of creating a fine art bronze. The work is intense and demanding, the result beautiful and timeless. For untold centuries, Mark Hopkins bronze sculptures will endure and be handed down from generation to generation.

Mark Hopkins Mission Statement

Our Mission is to create an enduring legacy of beauty and excellence in bronze to enhance the lives of those who will own a Mark Hopkins sculpture.

Through the daily work of our hands, we will share the eternal nobility of our hearts and minds.

From the diversity of our individual talents and strengths, we will forge a great unity of purpose and achieve unlimited success and prosperity.

Mark Hopkins Bio

Mark Hopkins is considered one of the premier sculptors in the United States today. From tabletop sculpture to monuments, his work is displayed in homes, offices, and public settings around the world.

Mark Hopkins’ work is in everyway, a reflection of its creator. It reveals Mark’s total fascination with nearly every conceivable aspect of life: from history, children, sports, music and religion to wildlife of the land, sea and air. With a style so flowing and alive it has been called “bronze in motion,” the work is as passionate and expressive as the artist himself.

For as long as he can remember, Mark has been captivated by form and design. From the time he was young boy, with the encouragement of family and teachers, he worked to develop his innate talent, and explore the various techniques and mediums of sculpture.

In addition to his skill as an artist, Mark made himself a technical expert in the art of “lost wax” bronze casting. At the Mark Hopkins Sculpture foundry, Mark monitors the casting process, insuring that the integrity of his work is maintained throughout its creation in bronze. With the help of many talented craftsmen, Mark endeavors to establish an enduring legacy of high-quality bronze sculpture.

It has taken half a lifetime for Mark to attain his preeminent status in the world of art. For many years, the necessity of providing for his large family took Mark into other, more traditional vocations. Throughout those years, though, Mark never stopped sculpting. He knew in his heart that it was the work he was born to do. From the many challenges and experiences of his life came a remarkably unique style of art.

Mark Hopkins constantly challenges himself to translate the richness of life and nobility of the human soul into enduring sculptural form. In his words, “I strive to express beyond the image, to catch spirit, to reveal deeper emotions, and to share joy.” As he continues to rise to that challenge, his work is attaining an honored place in the history of art.

Collectors of Mark Hopkins Work

Barbara Mandrell-Country Music Entertainer, Bart Starr-Former Football Great, Bill Clinton-Former U.S. President, Bob Hope Estate-Actor/Entertainer, Clint Eastwood-Actor/Director, Colin Powell-Former U.S. Secretary of State, Dale Murphy-Former Baseball Great, Dana L Shires-Gatorade Inventor, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw-Country Music Entertainers, George and Barbara Bush-Former U.S. President and First Lady, Maya Angelou-Author, Mike Huckabee-Governor of Arkansas, Orrin Hatch-U.S. Senator, Randy Travis-Country Music Entertainer, Ron Howard-Actor/Director, Ted Turner-Entertainment Entrepreneur, Zell Miller-Former Governor of Georgia

Corporate Collectors

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Atlanta National Golf Club, Chicago Bulls Organization, City of Atlanta, Coca-Cola Corporation, Emerson Electric, Humana Hospital Corporation, KinderCare Learning Centers, Martin Luther King Center for Non-violent Social Change, McDonald’s Corporation, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Merrill Lynch Corporation, National League Association of Baseball Club Owners, Sentry Insurance Company, United States Special Operations Medical Association