INTRODUCTION

Welcome,

The primary aim is to provide insight into the techniques, procedures and materials involved, from conception to finished sculpt. Documenting the process to provide a useful guide to anyone interested in the process of sculpting. I will also highlight some of the resources available. The tools & equipment required, setting up your work space and the importance of research and gathering reference material to inform your work. 

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 creative project with a purpose or intent. You may require some plan of attack, something to aim towards, a final goal in mind.

We need to know the following information before we can begin:

1) What is it we are going to make?

2) What scale is it to be?

3) What is the purpose of the model? (a one-off prototype or a Master for mass production)

4) What material is the final product to be?

For this first demonstration I have decided upon a Human Skull.

PROJECT ONE: HUMAN SKULL 1:2 SCALE

I chose to sculpt a skull for several reasons. Firstly anatomical subjects are always rewarding to work upon, both as a fun exercise and serious study, helping develop your anatomical understanding during the sculpting process. The skull has many interesting surface planes yet remains a simple object. The forms of the bones, with all the 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: TOOLS & EQUIPMENT