Bronze, Steel & Glass sculptures - Where Art meets Beauty
Welcome to the online portfolio of Wichert van Engelen, a visionary, artisinal artist specialising in bronze, steel and glass sculptures.
Each handmade piece is a unique fusion of strength, elegance, fine details and striking contrasts, designed to inspire and captivate you.
Art collector, gallery owner, or simply an admirer of contemporary sculpture, you'll find something extraordinary here.
About this Website
Explore this website by artist Wichert van Engelen showing his works, his crafts, his strive for beauty in bronze, steel, and glass.
- About the Artist - Read more about Wichert, his inspiration and drive for innovative objects of beauty.
- Featured Work - A short introduction of the different fields Wichert is working on: bronze, glass, steel, art with a wink.
- Studio / Workshop - Discover the heart of creation: the Studio/Workshop, where traditional techniques are employed.
- Everlasting beauty at your home - Find your perfect piece from the vast collection or commission your own Art Object.
- Bronze - The beauty of nature in the power of bronze - Showcasing the latest bronze sculptures. Plus the crafts of Bronze Casting, plaster molds, ceramic shells, Lost-wax. Technics used by Wichert to create the unique sculptures.
- Bronze casting - Working with hot, liquid metal, a real challenge
- Plaster molds - How to transform your wax sculpture into bronze
- Ceramic Shell - For the finest details: ceramic shell in stead of plaster
- Lost Wax - Also known as 'Cire Perdu', a very old technique, still used daily
- Glass - Lights, Transparancy and Contrasts - Showcasing Wichert's latest glass works. Sometimes combined with bronze or stone. More about the crafts of Glass Blowing and Glass Fusing contributing to the artist's unique artistic vision.
- Fuzzing Glass
- Glass Blowing
- Commissioned Art - How it works when you ask Wichert van Engelen to make you a sculpture
- Art-with-a-wink - Experience cheerful art. Art does not always has to be that serious!
- Art should sparkle joy
- Art for Collectors and Investors- Sculptures by Wichert: an everlasting investment in joy
- Size Matters - Wichert is making sculptures in all sizes. Find some examples here
- Art Lovers all over the world - Where do Wichert's sculptures go to, and some named customers
- Oeuvre - Showcasing the works by Wichert van Engelen in chronological order to see the evolution of his art.
In between: @the Workshop and Work in Progress
- Personal Art - Art should be feasible and affordable for everyone
- Welding and Blacksmithing - Two technics Wichert still is using every day
- Your Art & Contact - Buy or order your own unique art, all contact information on Wichert van Engelen
FrozenSteel / Wichert van Engelen brings art to life with a distinctive touch.
We invite you to explore the full spectrum of his artistic journey.
Simple scroll down the site, or use the buttons.
NB: Mijn werk wordt wereldwijd gekocht. Daarom is de hele website in Engels. Als u -Nederlandse lezer- mij mailt of belt, antwoord ik natuurlijk in het Nederlands!
About the Artist
With a passion for transforming raw materials and everyday visions into timeless art, Wichert van Engelen creates sculptures that tell stories, evoke emotions and challenge perceptions.
Drawing inspiration from nature and the beauty of everyday objects, each piece is meticulously crafted to balance form, texture and light.
Wichert's work is characterized by a profound connection to material, transforming solid metals and delicate glass into sculptures that evoke movement, emotion, and striking visual narratives.
Wichert van Engelen is not a conceptual artist as such. He stands for craftsmanship as an inseparable part of being an artist. Unlike artists who lean heavily into conceptualism, Van Engelen's focus is on the tangible possibilities of expression, realizing visualizations and thoughts through concrete, often industrial, materials.
His process is deeply rooted in craft, from the meticulous bronze casting and welding to the nuanced techniques of glass blowing and fusing. This dedication to artisanal quality ensures that each piece possesses a unique character and enduring beauty, offering viewers a direct and visceral experience of the artist's vision.
While other artists may explore similar materials, Wichert distinguishes himself through this harmonious blend of industrial strength and artistic finesse, creating works that are both powerful and profoundly expressive.
Featured Work
Wichert van Engelen, the artist behind FrozenSteel.nl, is a master craftsman whose sculptures are a vibrant testament to the expressive power of materials.
His work is a captivating fusion, where the robust strength of bronze and steel meets the delicate, light-capturing qualities of glass.
Van Engelen's artistic philosophy centers on the tangible and the expressive potential inherent in each material. He meticulously employs traditional techniques such as bronze casting, welding, glass blowing, and glass fusing, transforming raw elements into unique art objects.
His creations often exude a cheerful, whimsical quality, imbued with a distinctive 'wink' that lends personality and life to each piece.
Whether exploring abstract forms or more representational themes, Van Engelen's sculptures are characterized by their artisanal integrity and a profound connection to the materials themselves, offering a unique blend of industrial strength and artistic finesse.
His dedication to the craft ensures each creation is a compelling dialogue between material and imagination.
In this website his works are bundled as follows:
Bronze Sculptures: Timeless pieces that capture the details and beauty of nature and everyday objects. The Splendor of Nature in the Power of Bronze.
Glass Sculptures: Delicate yet powerfull creations that play with light, transparancy and contrasts. Most Glass sculptures are combinations of glass with either Bronze or Stone.
Steel Sculptures: Bold, dynamic works that reflect the strength and beauty of sports.
Art with a Wink: Light excursions. Cheerfull objects. Art doesn't always has to be that serious.
Studio / Workshop
The workshop in central Amsterdam not only is an inspiring environment with craftsmen working in wood as well as steel, it also is a truly inspiring creative sanctuary for me..
Imagine a vibrant hub where creativity and craftmanship flow freely, a place where raw materials transform into breathtaking unique furniture, inhouse projects, technical prototypes and art. The workshop at Openbare Werkplaats is more than just a workspace; it's a sanctuary for artists and craftmans alike. They all can utilise state-of-the-art facilities equipped for metalworking, woodworking, and more, all designed to bring every project to life.
When in Amsterdam, you are more then welcome to come and take a look! Who knows, you might end up joining this community of passionate creators.
See the contact-page for all details.
Everlasting Beauty at your home
Ready to bring a unique piece of art into your life?
Whether you're captivated by an existing sculpture or envisioning a custom creation, Wichert is here to help make your artistic dreams a reality. Explore the available works marked without a red dot – these treasures are ready to find a new home.
By purchasing directly from the artist, you bypass gallery commissions, ensuring you receive 100% of the value at the absolute lowest price.
Reach out today to discuss your ideas or to claim your perfect piece!
The beauty of Nature in the power of Bronze
Bronze casting
At FrozenSteel, the art of creation is a dance with fire and metal.
For me, bronze casting is the most fitting technique, the very heart of bringing my visions to life. It is a process as captivating as it is demanding.
This enduring, solid material, becomes thinner than water when heated to its molten state. The crucible, filled with molten bronze, glows like a miniature sun, its surface shimmering with a mercurial brilliance.
The act of pouring demands unwavering focus. Molten bronze is intensely hot, and its density amplifies its power. A single drop of this liquid metal burns with a ferocity far exceeding that of boiling water!
The pouring process is always a shared endeavor, a collaboration of skill and precision. The crucible, suspended in a long handle, is lifted from the furnace once the bronze has reached its liquid state. With a practiced hand, I remove any impurities from the surface, and in a fluid motion, the crucible is raised, and the molten metal is poured into the waiting molds.
To ensure the bronze remains fluid and free-flowing, this entire process unfolds with a practiced choreography.
Years of experience have honed our teamwork, ensuring each movement is precise, each action synchronized.
The result? Sculptures that capture the essence of my vision.
See the Youtube-channel of Wichert van Engelen for more work-in-progress-video's.
Plaster molds
At FrozenSteel, precision is paramount in every step of the artistic journey.
Crafting a flawless plaster mold is perhaps the most challenging aspect of bronze sculpture creation. It is a delicate balance of anticipating the outcome and ensuring the bronze flows through the mold seamlessly, capturing every contour, form, and detail of the original wax model.
During the casting process, the bronze must completely fill every void within the mold. Any obstruction, any trapped air, can compromise the final result.
I begin by meticulously preparing the original sculpture, adding sprues, gates, and vents. This process demands "inverted thinking": where air currently resides, plaster will soon fill the space. Where there is plaster, there won't be bronze in ultimate flow.
Mixing the plaster and pouring the yogurt-thick liquid is a race against time. The moment water meets the plaster powder, the setting process begins. From that point, I have mere minutes to pour the liquid, ensuring no air bubbles mar the surface.
The result: odd shaped, heavy plaster molds. Soon to be burned out in the furnace.
Ceramic Shell
I employ Ceramic Shell molds when I'm creating art objects that are exceptionally thin and fragile.
Working with the mold fluid? Pure, hands-on, messy artistry. Setting the fluid with plaster and clay powder is akin to baking pizzas: a flurry of flour, a tangible reward.
By repeatedly dipping and powdering the object, a robust mold emerges, which, after drying, is fired in the kiln.
The result: ruggedly shaped molds, hinting at the final form.
Anna Dabrovska captured a short film of the ceramic shell process, as I utilize it at the Openbare Werkplaats.
See the Youtube-channel of Wichert van Engelen for more work-in-progress-video's.
Lost Wax - Ancient techniques bring art to life
The lost-wax method, also known by its French name, cire perdue, is a time-honored technique for casting metal and glass objects.
This method is ideally suited for creating art objects where a high degree of precision and detail is essential. Because there are no (silicone) intermediate molds, every detail is directly expressed in the bronze. Details of less than a tenth of a millimeter are possible.
I begin by crafting the sculpture in beeswax. This will later melt away easily in the oven. But I often combine this wax with other materials. Anything is possible, as long as the original material is combustible.
Once the original sculpture is complete, I attach a pouring spout. This consists of a combination of beeswax and a plastic shot glass. The pouring spout later forms the funnel through which I pour the liquid bronze.
From the pouring spout, I create various casting channels to ensure that the hot, liquid bronze quickly reaches all parts of the form before it cools (and solidifies).
The main challenge in this stage of the long process to create a bronze sculpture, is preventing air bubbles during the bronze casting. In addition to the casting channels through which the bronze will later flow, I create air channels through which the air can escape during casting.
This whole structure (the sculpture with pouring spout, casting channels, and ventilation channels) is then coated with a strong ceramic layer (the ceramic shell method) or placed in a container with liquid plaster.
After hardening, the mold is fired in an oven. This melts away all the wax and burns away any other materials.
A space, a cavity, remains in the mold, into which the liquid bronze can be poured. Firing the mold also ensures that no trace of moisture remains in the mold.
After the bronze is cast, the mold cools, after which it is broken open. The roughly cast sculpture is then finished and, if desired, patinated.
Experience the art of the lost-wax method at FrozenSteel.
Light, Transparancy and Contrasts
Glass fuzing - the proces
At FrozenSteel, I bring art to life using fascinating techniques. Not only through the centuries-old process of bronze casting, but also in combination with the equally ancient process of glass fusing.
Glass fusing is a captivating process in which I fuse residual pieces of colored glass (from stained glass courses at the Openbare Werkplaats) at high temperatures to create a new, unique object.
At FrozenSteel, I use this technique to add depth, vibrant colors, and a flowing interplay of lines to our mostly bronze sculptures.
I begin by carefully selecting pieces of colored glass, then placing them in precise layers or patterns in a special glass kiln.
During the heating process, which very gradually increases to as much as 800°C, the glass pieces soften and merge seamlessly.
As I shape the glass, I allow it to drape over the bronze. A special, highly heat-resistant, thin layer prevents the bronze and glass from sticking together. The materials expand during heating and contract again as they cool. The difference in the expansion coefficients of bronze and glass would, if bonded, cause the bronze to break the glass.
Cooling is extremely slow. It takes 24 to 36 hours for the glass to return to room temperature. This controlled cooling process is crucial to prevent internal tensions in the glass and guarantee a durable, beautiful end result. The result is a breathtaking interplay of color and light, giving Wichert van Engelen's glass art objects an extra dimension of life and brilliance.
Discover the magic of glass fusing in my collection
Glass blowing - the proces
At FrozenSteel, I celebrate the art of transformation, bringing you unique sculptures crafted with passion and precision.
Glass blowing is an ancient art form in which molten glass is shaped into beautiful objects with a blowpipe. At FrozenSteel, I embrace this craft technique to create unique glass elements that enrich my bronze sculptures. Every now and then I use boulders to emphasise the contrast between the hard stone and the fragile glass.
The process begins with the collection of red-hot glass from the furnace, which is then blown and manipulated with precision. By twisting, pulling and blowing, I shape the glass, with each movement influencing the final sculpture. The slow cooling, known as annealing, is essential to prevent internal stresses and ensure durability. The result is a breathtaking interplay of transparency, colour and form, which offers a delicate counterpart to the robust materials of my sculptures.
I like to combine bronze and glass to further emphasise the contrasts between light and dark, fragile and robust.
Explore my collection to witness the breathtaking results of this ancient art form!
See the Youtube-channel of Wichert van Engelen for more work-in-progress-video's.
Commissioned Art
Alongside my free work (where I draw inspiration primarily from the nature directly surrounding me), I frequently undertake commissioned projects.
The significant challenge with such commissions is to ensure the final result – a bronze and/or glass sculpture/object – aligns with the client's vision.
The process usually begins with simple questions: "Can you create a sculpture of…?"; "And what's the approximate cost?" Through phone calls or emails, I engage in a dialogue with the client to clarify expectations. This involves discussing:
- Figurative or more abstract?
- Size?
- Materials to be used
- References (photos or videos)
- Desired turnaround time (creating a sculpture takes considerable time; the delivery time is easily4 months)
- An initial rough cost estimate
Once we've reached an agreement (it's also possible that at this stage, it becomes clear that the client would be better served elsewhere), I establish the following step-by-step plan:
- I create a detailed sketch of the future sculpture, including a cost estimate and a general timeline.
- Upon approval, I create a sculpture in beeswax. The client sees photos of this, providing an idea of how the sculpture will appear in bronze. Changes to the sculpture are still possible at this stage.
- Following approval, I proceed with the sculpture's production: plastering, firing, casting, and finishing.
- Shipping/handover
This step-by-step approach ensures the sculpture meets the client's expectations as closely as possible, avoiding surprises regarding costs and progress. (And if you find a 3-4 month turnaround time too long: take a look at my free-work sculptures – plenty to choose from!)
Art with a Wink
Art should spark joy
One of my most recognized works in this vein is "NOW it's ART."
This piece was a response to Cattalan's "Comedian," a banana duct-taped to a wall, a clever marketing stunt - the emperor's new suite - that the art world, for the most part, embraced with a straight, serious face.
No one wanted to be the first to suggest that while amusing, it had little to do with the true added value of art.
Decades ago, it was already declared that art is simply what the viewer perceives it to be. Since then, the art world has been inundated with blank canvases, overturned paint buckets, and peanut butter floors. A duct-taped banana is merely a mediocre variation on the middle fingers raised toward art curators worldwide.
"NOW it's ART" is available as a standard bronze sculpture, as a "concept," and – for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of art – as an exclusive, unique sculpture with the concept fully realized.
Inquire for pricing.
At FrozenSteel, I believe art should spark joy.
Sometimes, in a moment of playful inspiration, I create sculptures with a knowing wink. These pieces are designed to be striking focal points, encouraging a moment of reflection and, at the very least, a smile.
Art: a lasting investment in joy
FrozenSteel, where art becomes a lasting investment in joy
Investing in art is no longer the exclusive domain of the wealthy and famous. Thanks to the proliferation of online galleries and the individual websites of artists across all disciplines, knowledge is readily available to begin building your own art collection.
However, buying art as an investment is, above all, an "alternative." There is, after all, no guaranteed profit or return on your investment. Art can grow in value. Yet, this doesn't happen with every piece, nor with every artist, but with patience, your collection can grow in significance, and sometimes, in monetary value.
But the most important thing is that you find joy in the artworks you choose.
Collecting art doesn't have to be expensive. Start with a clear budget; this will define the boundaries within which you can begin your collection. Especially for three-dimensional works, it's wise to start small. Large sculptures are not only relatively expensive, but they also immediately define your collection's direction.
With a few small objects as a starting point, you can assess whether the chosen art and the chosen artist resonate with you, and in which direction you might (later) want to expand your collection.
Visit exhibitions, follow artists online, and talk to other enthusiasts. Above all, collect what brings you joy. Over time, you'll find that you've created a beautiful, personal mix that truly tells your story.
And don't be afraid to let your collection evolve.
Collecting art isn't a one-time event, but a process. Your taste will change. A work you bought five years ago may no longer reflect who you are today. Remember, an art collection is a living thing.
Keep looking, learning, and discovering
Start your art journey at FrozenSteel
Size matters
It's about the vision, the artistry, the philosophy, the story behind the work.
Yet, with sculptures, size also plays a crucial role.
I frequently create smaller sculptures.
One collector, for example, has acquired several of my pieces, which he – as he puts it – uses as "wandering art": his guests and visitors encounter a delightful detail, a refreshing perspective, a thought-provoking piece in various locations throughout his home.
The majority of my oeuvre consists of compact sculptures. Ideally suited for a domestic setting: an attractive enhancement of the interior, without demanding all the attention.
It is especially these sized sculptures that are exceptionally suitable as a unique individual (and always lasting) memento for an anniversary, a retirement, or another significant life moment.
If you desire a work that takes center stage, or an artwork that really commands attention, a table-top size is more appropriate. This size of work is also highly suitable for reception areas and museums.
Finally, there are the larger sculptures. Designed to fill an entire wall or space, to exclusively draw all attention to the sculpture within a room, or to complement the grandeur of the outdoors (garden, driveway, park).
My sculptures of this large format demand considerable time. They are composed of various smaller parts that, after casting, are precisely joined into a whole using TIG welding. The price of these sculptures is available upon request.
Art Lovers all over the world
Rooted, Yet Reaching
As a visual artist, I'm firmly rooted in the Netherlands. My studio is nestled in the heart of Amsterdam. Each day, I cycle through the city, absorbing inspiration for new works.
Yet, I am, nonetheless, an internationally-oriented artist. Amsterdam itself is a profoundly international city, with inhabitants (originally) from virtually every country on Earth.
While working on my sculptures, I'm surrounded by artisans from numerous countries and regions. The working languages at the Openbare Werkplaats are Dutch and English, but among themselves, the artisans speak a multitude of languages.
My clients, my patrons, hail from all corners of the globe. Sometimes they acquire my work through online auctions, sometimes through online galleries, but most often, clients contact me directly, commissioning a work or purchasing a sculpture directly from me.
Currently, my sculptures – besides being found throughout the Netherlands– grace locations in countries like: France, Germany, England, Canada, Korea,Sweden, and America.
Recently, there's been interest in various sculptures from a large Chinese company.
Increasingly, companies and organizations commission me to create unique sculptures or art objects for award ceremonies, anniversaries, or retirements. A few examples: the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dutch Association of Bailiffs.
Oeuvre
@ the Workshop
Work in Progres
@ the Workshop
Personal art: feasible and affordable for everyone
Transform your cherished moments into stunning art with a custom steel sculpture!
Imagine a beautifully crafted silhouette of you, your loved one, partner, child, or even your beloved pet, captured in a personal and characteristic pose. Whether it’s a favorite sport, a beloved hobby, or a unique expression, the possibilities are endless!
Here’s how it works:
- Personalized Creation: Simply provide a photo (from the side, front, or back), and I will create a precise silhouette.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Each piece is meticulously cut from solid steel and finished with a sleek black spray for a modern touch.
- Perfect Size: A statue of approximately 30 cmstarts at just €125. Want to elevate it further? Add a stylish wooden base for only €20.
- Custom Sizes Available: Looking for something larger? I can create sculptures up to160 cm upon request.
Bring your memories to life with a unique art piece that speaks to your heart! For more information, please reach out through the contact form on the Contact / Your Art page. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
Welding and Blacksmithing
Welding, a fundamental process in bringing my artistic visions to life, is the art of uniting metal. The process is simple in concept, yet profound in its results: Intense heat is applied to the point where the metals meet, causing them to melt and fuse into a single, seamless form.
The history of welding is a testament to human ingenuity. For centuries, blacksmiths employed forging techniques, hammering metal until it melded. The publication of Vannoccio Biringuccio's "De la Pirotechnia" in 1540 marked a significant step forward, and the metal industry flourished in the centuries that followed.
Sir Humphrey Davy's discovery of the electric arc in 1801 paved the way for modern welding. However, significant advancements in arc welding came at the end of that century, with the introduction of metal electrodes and insulated handles.
Autogenous welding, which utilizes combustible gases, once dominated the industry due to its cost-effectiveness. However, advancements in electrode coatings led to its gradual decline, with arc welding taking its place. These coatings stabilize the arc and protect the molten metal.
The 20th century witnessed a surge in welding's application, fueled by improved electrode production and the advent of automated welding. Innovations like underwater arc welding and the use of shielding gases, essential for welding reactive metals like aluminum and magnesium, followed. This, in turn, led to the development of TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding in 1948.
While TIG welding excels in precision, it is less suited for heavy-duty applications. This led to the development of MIG/MAG welding, which uses a continuous wire feed.
For my work at FrozenSteel, I primarily utilize TIG welding for intricate details and electrode welding for robust joins and those in hard-to-reach areas. This allows me to create sculptures that are both strong and visually refined. Discover the power of welding in my creations.
Your Art (& contact me)
Sculptures on this site - nót having a red dot - are for sale at one of the major online-art galleries.
Save yourself the - hefty - commission, and buy directly from the artist (lowest price guarantee).
Hover your mouse over any of the pictures: name and (direct from artist-)price will show.
Fill in the contactform below, stating the sculpture you're interested in, and I'll get back to you soon.
Want to see more pictures of a specific sculpture? Fill in the contactform below, and I'll send you additional photographs.
Or order a personal, custom made, sculpture (this might take a bit longer ;-)
contact me
De meest recent Nieuwsbrief (Werk in opdracht - Glasblazen - De toekomst van mijn werkplek) leest u hier.
