Inspiration:
This piece was my first exposure to modeling in clay from life. The form was developed over 10 days. During this time I explored the engineering aspects of constructing small clay figures, experimented with tools to achieve various surfaces, built a 22-inch armature (derived from basic measurements taken from the model), and built a miniature sized figure in clay based on a female model working from a standing pose.
What did I learn? The process of learning to look and make decisions about a model and what they actually express in their pose. The experience helped me to develop confidence, technique, and skill in building and modeling a clay figure from life.
Building the Armature/Preparing to Model:
The armature is built out of pipe and aluminum wire which is mounted on a base. The base is attached to a modeling stand. It looks like a wire "stick figure" suspended in air by pipe. The model was asked to give me her measurements (height, inseam and arm span). These were used (scaled down to the size of the piece) to guide building the armature. I have a sketch of it below.
What did I Learn? Why and how to use armatures and the implications for casting etc. I also learned not to bend the copper wire too much because eventually it will break.
Observational Skills/Modeling:
During the model’s first session the class was instructed to adjust, by eye, the armature to the actual pose. Since the wire can be re-bent at any time it is not critical to get the armature perfect the first day. In addition at the first session I measured the position of the critical "bony" landmarks on the model. These are used to check that the sculpture is accurate to life.
During the bulk of the remaining sessions I slowly built the figure up on the wire with clay. I tried to pay close attention to the lines, planes and curves of the body as I built the figure up. In the last session I spent my time fine tuning the surfaces by using a water bottle, sponge, and small artist’s paint brushes.
What did I Learn? How to see properly, in order to make decisions about what and how to express myself in clay. After the fact I would recommend using a Plasticine modeling clay instead of regular clay. Regular clay is less expensive but you have to keep the piece wet at all times or it will dry out, crack, and break to smithereens. This has a tendency to make it more difficult to mold. Crud.
Making a Mold
Pretty Tied Up was cast in plaster using a mold from the completed clay piece.
The mold is actually two molds. The inner mold is flexible and made out of ordinary 100% silicone from the hardware store. The outer "mother" mold is rigid and is made from plaster and burlap to make it stronger. The purpose of the mother mold is to provide support for the flexible inner mold when it is used to make a cast. I have a picture of the mold below.
What I learned? When creating a mother mold from plaster it is very important to put vaseline on on the "shims". I forgot to do this and had to saw and pry the mother mold open. As you can see from the picture this is NOT a picture perfect mold. I also almost lost my piece. This was the first mother mold I had made. The second one went much better in a later project.
The completed project. A mixed media sculpture of plaster, wood, steel, and bamboo.
"Pretty Tied Up"
Mixed Media Sculpture
20” H x 16” W x 16” D
2005
