A Deep Dive into American Fine Arts Foundry’s Collaborative Process
In the world of art, vision is everything.
Each sculptor, architect, or designer begins a project with an idea—sometimes grand and ambitious, sometimes intimate and intricate—waiting to transcend the boundaries of the imagination. To guide that vision into physical form, creative professionals rely on skilled partners who understand not only the technical intricacies of their craft, but the emotional resonance of the end result. That’s where the American Fine Arts Foundry (AFA) steps in. Under the guidance of Brett Barney, who describes himself as a “chief collaborator” as much as anything else, AFA strives to make the journey from creative concept to completed masterpiece as seamless and satisfying as possible.
“My name is Brett Barney, and I am most passionate about working with sculptors, architects, designers—anybody who’s in the creative space that needs to realize a vision,”
~ Brett Barney
This role goes beyond being just a manager or a coordinator.
Instead, Brett takes on the responsibilities of a quarterback, leading a multidisciplinary team through the complexities of bringing monumental works to life. He makes sure that the right people with the right expertise are matched to the right tasks. This ensures that no single person is overburdened, that the highest standards of craftsmanship are maintained, and that the client’s vision remains the guiding star throughout the entire process.
American Fine Arts Foundry, located in Burbank, California, has cultivated a carefully assembled roster of artisans, technicians, and craft specialists who take pride in their work. These professionals rely on decades of experience to provide services that range from mold making and casting to patination, finishing, installation, and project management. The team’s synergy allows them to handle projects of all sizes, but in recent years, monumental projects—those towering sculptures or large-scale architectural elements that populate public spaces—have become a significant part of the foundry’s portfolio.
The Shift to Monumental Works
In today’s art world, size matters—not in a boastful way, but in terms of the engineering and organizational complexity required. Smaller, gallery-sized works of bronze or other metals are inherently simpler to manage; a slight discrepancy in a small piece might remain invisible to the untrained eye. But when you’re working with sculptures that are 10, 12, 15, or even 20 feet tall, the tiniest miscalculation at the start of the process can become glaringly obvious once the piece stands in its intended public space.
This is what Brett Barney and the AFA team have learned over the last few years. Monumental projects require a heightened level of attention, planning, and coordination. The foundry’s process often begins with close consultation with the artist or designer. Detailed digital models are reviewed, material properties are studied, and structural engineering constraints are considered. The result is a clear map for how every piece should come together, ensuring that no detail—no matter how small—slips through the cracks.
At American Fine Arts Foundry, the technical know-how is as critical as the artistic sensitivity. Monumental works can be subject to environmental conditions, safety regulations, and the expectations of public audiences who will interact with the piece daily. AFA manages these aspects seamlessly, integrating engineering analyses, patina longevity strategies, and maintenance considerations right from the planning stage.
Digital Collaboration in a Connected World
In an era that is increasingly defined by digital connectivity, one of the misconceptions about foundries is that you need to be physically present, often locally, to ensure a successful project outcome. Historically, that was true: Artists, architects, and designers needed a close relationship with a local foundry to frequently review progress and provide input. But technology has transformed this dynamic. High-resolution images, 3D scans, and advanced communication platforms allow for close collaboration across the globe. AFA’s team can now work effectively with clients who are located anywhere in the world, meeting virtually, sharing models, and reviewing progress remotely without compromising quality.
This digital embrace does not lessen the personal touch. On the contrary, AFA’s philosophy, as Brett Barney explains, hinges on the idea that they are in the “people business” just as much as they are in the “bronze business.” The foundry takes pride in its ability to make clients feel heard, involved, and respected. Whether the client is an emerging sculptor or a seasoned designer, they can rely on AFA to understand their vision, respond promptly to their questions, and adapt as the project evolves.
A Look at AFA’s Monumental Services
Visiting AFA’s website reveals a comprehensive suite of services that outline just how committed the foundry is to supporting artists and designers at every stage of their journey.
- Consultation and Project Planning: Before any metal is cast or any mold is poured, the project’s scope is carefully defined. The AFA team works with clients to clarify specifications, timelines, and budgets. They also offer valuable insight into material choices and structural considerations. For monumental projects, this stage might involve digital modeling, creating scaled maquettes, and engineering analysis.
- 3D Scanning and Digital Modeling: Utilizing cutting-edge digital tools, AFA can translate a concept from a physical maquette or a two-dimensional drawing into a precise 3D digital model. This model becomes the blueprint for the entire project, allowing the team to identify potential issues and address them before a single ounce of bronze is poured.
- Mold Making and Lost Wax Casting: The foundry’s skilled mold makers and casters bring centuries-old techniques into the modern era, ensuring that the smallest details are captured flawlessly. For monumental works, these molds may be made in sections. The careful joining of these sections must be executed with absolute precision. AFA’s mastery of the lost wax casting technique ensures fidelity to the original vision and a long-lasting, structurally sound final piece.
- Welding, Chasing, and Finishing: Once the cast pieces are ready, AFA’s team of welders and metal chasers meticulously join and refine them, working to erase any sign that the sculpture was ever in separate parts. The final finishing touches, including surface texturing and patination, further define the sculpture’s character and ensure that it endures in its intended environment.
- Installation and Logistics Management: Completing a monumental sculpture is only half the journey. Moving it, assembling it on-site, and ensuring it stands proudly and safely is another significant challenge. AFA provides full-service logistics management, coordinating transportation, site preparation, and installation. This holistic approach guarantees that the artist can focus on their creative vision while the foundry handles the practicalities.
Why AFA Stands Out
In a competitive industry, American Fine Arts Foundry differentiates itself by blending state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship and a people-first philosophy. By embracing digital collaboration, the foundry has removed geographical barriers, giving artists and designers from around the world the opportunity to tap into a resource-rich environment that puts their needs first.
The foundry does not just stop at delivering a product; they focus on delivering a memorable experience. This emphasis on relationship-building, problem-solving, and continuous improvement ensures that clients keep returning. As Brett Barney states, if there’s a “hitch,” the team wants to fix it. In other words, they recognize that the creative journey is rarely straightforward and that flexibility, adaptability, and open communication are essential ingredients to success.
Art is More Than Just Metal
At the heart of all this technical precision and logistical coordination lies a simple truth: art is about storytelling, emotion, and human connection. A monumental sculpture does more than just fill a public square or adorn a corporate campus. It becomes a landmark, a meeting place, a piece of cultural heritage that can influence how people experience the world around them.
By working with American Fine Arts Foundry, artists and designers gain a partner who understands that their contribution goes far beyond just pouring metal. AFA becomes the steward of the artist’s vision, ensuring that when that 10-, 15-, or 20-foot sculpture is unveiled, it delivers the impact, the gravitas, and the meaningful narrative the creator intended.
Building a Legacy Through Collaboration
In the end, AFA’s approach exemplifies what modern artistic collaboration can achieve when guided by a strong philosophy and a respect for craftsmanship. By combining the old-world techniques of bronze casting with the new-world possibilities of digital integration, they transcend the limitations of traditional foundry work. They invite global creators to share their dreams, confident in their ability to bring them to life without compromise.
Brett Barney and the dedicated team at American Fine Arts Foundry have proven that monumental visions demand monumental execution—layered with patience, skill, forward-thinking innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the human side of art-making. Whether you are a sculptor, an architect, or a designer imagining your next great piece, you can rest assured that with AFA by your side, you’re not just getting a supplier; you’re gaining a partner devoted to helping you shape the world—one grand sculpture at a time.
