INTRODUCTION

SCULPTING TUTORIAL

PART ONE: CHOOSING YOUR PROJECT

Sculpture is a three-dimensional process with the earliest examples from approximately 24,000 years ago.

There are five basic processes in sculpture: Carving (in wood, bone, ivory or stone); Modelling (in clay); Casting (involving first modelling in wax or clay then casting into bronze from a mould); Constructing (subjects made from 'found' materials); and CG Modelling (virtually designed models used in Games, Film or printed out into three dimensions using Rapid Prototyping machinery).

The aim of this initial tutorial is to provide insight into the procedures of Wax Modelling. Focusing on the tools, techniques and materials involved. Setting up your workspace. The importance of research and gathering reference material to inform your work, and highlighting some of the resources available.

Choosing the project

When working for clients it is rare to have any choice in what you make. A self initiated project however opens a myriad of possibilities. We must approach the project with purpose or intent. A plan of attack is required, an aim, a final goal in mind.

So before we begin, we need to answer the following questions:

Subject: What is it we are going to make?
Purpose: What is the purpose of the model? (A unique artwork or a master for production)
Scale: What scale is it to be?
Process: What process/material is the work to be completed with?
Finish: What finish do you want the final product to have? (Fired, Painted, Patina etc)

Design & Development

Have fun with the design and development of your product, make it unique and desirable. Follow your instincts but don't just settle with your initial idea. Ideas must be worked upon; nurtured and allowed to evolve.

Learn the anatomy - the more you know about anatomy the better your designs will be. If you are designing characters you must breathe life into them, know their backgrounds, their attitudes and personality make your characters whole and make these traits identifiable to all - LET THEM LIVE!

PROJECT ONE: HUMAN SKULL 1:2 SCALE

For this tutorial I will make a Skull, in a scale of 1:2 (Half actual size.) Sculpted with modelling wax, with the purpose of production. Mould making, casting and fettling (cleaning the cast) will be covered, with casting done using Resin, in various finishes.

Anatomical subjects are always rewarding to work upon, both as a fun exercise and serious study, helping develop your anatomical understanding during the process. The skull has many interesting surface planes yet remains a simple object. The bones, with all their subtle twists of form, present a challenge and the final results make for a curious item and useful reference piece.

The skull could also be added to later. A spine, ribcage, hips and appendages all could be added to build the whole skeleton. One could go even further, the skeleton could be posed with muscles, tendons, flesh, hair and clothing all added if desired.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The most essential ingredient is enthusiasm... to enjoy the journey.

NOTE: The term 'Sculpting' actually refers to the process of removing material (carving or chiselling) from a single block to reveal a desired form within. Modelling is the correct term for using clay or wax to build-up the desired form.

Join us for the next chapter where we will take a look at setting up a your

working area and the Tools and Equipment you will require.

NEXT: WORKSPACE, TOOLS & MATERIALS

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