Creating the Tuatara bronze sculpture

Behind the Bronze: Crafting a Tuatara in Action

At Sculpted Metals, every sculpture begins with a moment of inspiration—and is brought to life through hours of patient, skilled craftsmanship. One of our latest works in progress is a stunning piece featuring a tuatara mid-snack, devouring a wētā, captured in breathtaking detail.

In the photos below, you’ll see Nathan in action, sculpting the fine textures and lifelike forms that will become the basis for a bronze casting using the Lost Wax method.

What is the Lost Wax Casting Process?

Lost Wax Casting—also known as cire perdue—is an ancient process still used by sculptors today to produce highly detailed, durable bronze artworks. It begins with a wax model (in this case, created using a clay mould), which is encased in a heat-resistant shell. The wax is melted out, leaving a perfect cavity, which is then filled with molten bronze. Once cooled, the shell is broken away, revealing the sculpture in its final form.

It’s a technique that allows for extraordinary texture and precision—and Nathan’s work here is a prime example.

Why the Tuatara and Wētā?

Both the tuatara and the wētā are iconic New Zealand species, deeply tied to the land and its ecological heritage. This piece celebrates the raw beauty and realism of Aotearoa’s native wildlife, while telling a visual story of predator and prey in balance with nature.

A Sculpture in Progress

Though this piece is still in its early stages, the attention to detail is already clear. From the intricate scales on the tuatara’s back to the fragile legs of the unfortunate wētā, each element is meticulously crafted by hand. No shortcuts. No mass production.

Each sculpture we create is a one-of-a-kind original, built to last for generations.

Interested in Bronze Wildlife Sculptures?

We’re always working on new projects—and some past creations are available to order by request. If this tuatara caught your eye, feel free to get in touch to enquire about upcoming pieces or commission your own.

You can also visit us in Kerepehi, Paeroa, where you’re welcome to drop in and see the process for yourself.

Stay tuned for updates as this beautiful bronze tuatara comes to life!

– The Sculpted Metals Team