In order to fire a sculpture in water-based clay, any type of rigid armature embedded in it needs to be removed because as the clay retracts during the drying process (since the armature does not) it would crack and break. It is also better to remove clay from the inside to reduce the risk of explosion during firing. It can be a challenge.
This sculpture The Threat was started before the Covid-19 pandemic with the intent of making a mold to have it cast in bronze. The aluminum armature was, therefore, not designed to be removed. Not being able to obtain the materials required to make the rubber mold, Philippe decided to attempt to remove the complex armature and hollow out the sculpture so that it could be preserved by firing. He was not sure if it could be done without destroying the piece.
