Cast: Art and Objects Made Using Humanity's Most Transformational Process

Featuring exquisite photos of more than 800 contemporary and historic works, this first-of-its-kind book reveals how the process of casting—pouring material into a mold—has transformed our world through its history and omnipresence. In these image-rich pages, craft, fine art, design, and everyday objects offer us perspectives on casting’s unique possibilities, its place in history, and its role in contemporary object creation. Comprehensive and insightful, the book includes writings on casting as it relates to Art History (by Suzanne Ramljak), Large-Scale Metal (by Joseph Becherer), Ceramics (by Ezra Shales), Glass (by Susie J. Silbert), Jewelry (by Jen Townsend), and Alternative Materials (by Elaine A. King). A multi-disciplinary approach—including everything from traditional lost wax casting in non-ferrous metals to casting rubber, glass, porcelain, plaster, and some very unexpected materials—makes this an essential resource for artists, craftspeople, historians, designers, and everyone interested in the objects that populate our world.

Jen Townsend and Renée Zettle-Sterling are metalsmiths, authors, and teachers with an insatiable passion for casting of all varieties.