Contact & Biographical Information

Michael Joy, author of Confectionery Art Casting, is a skilled mold maker and sculptor. Through his sculpture fabrication business, Chicago-based CLARO Art Studio, Inc., he undertakes a wide variety of commercial projects. Recognized for his commitment to superior craftsmanship, Michael’s commissioned works range from monument restoration to making the re-designed master model of the Academy of Motion Pictures icon, the “Oscar.”

With 15 years experience, Michael has accumulated a wealth of technical skills encompassing several industries. He is proficient in industrial tooling for casting ceramics, resin gift ware manufacturing, bronze casting, photographic model and prop making, chocolate and sugar molding, production tool design for casting sculptural reproductions, ornamental plastering and architectural restoration. His dedication to quality was recognized when the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation called upon him to mold various ornamental architectural features on national and historic landmark buildings.

In addition to commercial applications of mold making and casting, Michael continues to produce his own sculpture whose playful themes and imagery are expressed in a unique surrealistic style. Through his sculpture, he has elevated an industrial process to an art form (see the gallery).