Isabella

Heidi Maiers · 03-16-2008, 01:10 PM

Hi everyone,
Haven't posted in a while even though I just had the busiest year ever of my career so far. Finished with all that (25 pieces), and starting on some new projects.
Here is a quickie miniature I just finished - 5 inches tall. I did her big sister a few years ago, and now that this little cutie is older (I only will do a portrait commissions on children ages 3 or older) it was her turn. This is the finished polymer version and I am in the process of molding her and will send that to my foundry in Prescott where they will make a bronze version. I'll post that one here when I get it back and apply the patina. The polymer is not really suitable as a final medium and I keep those originals for my own collection.
Comments, good or bad, welcome.

Chris Saper · 03-16-2008, 03:17 PM

Dear Heidi,

What a lovely little piece with so much attitude! Can you send some additional views when you have them - before or after the patina?

I have purchased and read (still rereading) Heidi's excellent e-book - so articulate and fabulously illustrated - you can buy it here.

Heidi, what kind of base will you make for this piece?

PS I really enjoyed reading about how you create "blue-eyed" subjects in clay - you might comment briefly on that if you get a chance

Carlos Ygoa · 03-16-2008, 06:21 PM

Heidi,

This is beautiful--so masterfully done and so lifelike. It is always a treat to see your work.
Before reading Chris

Heidi Maiers · 03-16-2008, 07:49 PM

Thanks so much for your comments Chris and Carlos - and of course for your book recommendation Chris!

Chris - When I'm done with the mold, I'll cast a (test) granite version (almond colored) and take a decent set of photos at a few angles and send you a set in the round - probably post one here of that version also from the other side. The base will probably just be a small black walnut tapered pedestal to match the one made of her older sister.

Carlos - right you are! She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She wasn't very happy to have to sit for photos - she is a cutie with impish little eyes.

Seems every time I make a bust, I try something just a little different with eye treatment. The main thing about color is the depth. The deeper you make them, the darker the eye color appears. Same with hair - hair made with lots of cuts and shadows gives the impression of a darker hair color.

Alexandra Tyng · 03-16-2008, 09:44 PM

Heidi,

This is such fine work. Her expression is so utterly, convincingly lifelike. Though I don't know much (except what you and other sculptors have told me) about the process, the impression of life and movement is what draws me to a sculpture of a person or animal. You've succeeded superbly!

Heidi Maiers · 03-17-2008, 03:31 AM

Thanks Alexandra! I respect all of your work immensely, so your gracious comments are not taken lightly. It is a pretty straight forward portrait. I recall Garth's bust of a little girl of about the same age where he was really able to portray her squirmy nature with her neck and shoulders all scrunched and twisted. Loved that one.

I did find this other angle that I snapped just before I started molding her, but all of this set turned out super blurry (the one above was the least) due to not taking the time to go get my tripod to steady my hand. Impossible to get clear photos on a small piece, in low light, with the delayed shutter speed, without a tripod! Doh!

Tom Edgerton · 03-19-2008, 06:08 PM

Heidi--

This is great! I'll bet it will REALLY swing when the light hits the bronze...

Best--TE

Heidi Maiers · 03-22-2008, 06:26 PM

Thanks Tom! Swing?
Here's a couple angles of the granite version. Looks quite a bit different in this medium.

Tom Edgerton · 03-22-2008, 06:44 PM

I'm showing my age here...."swing" as in musical expression, primarily jazz, where the result has an indefinable feeling of life and human essence that results from artistic exploration and expression at the time of creation, that isn't contained in or explained by the musical score itself, ie., the notes on the page.

Or in more pedestrian definitions, courtesy of Webster's:
4 b: to play or sing with a lively compelling rhythm; specifically: to play swing music
8 a: to be lively, exciting, and up-to-date

Or as the old song says:
"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"

Your work swings.

Linda Brandon · 03-23-2008, 12:29 AM

Heidi, what a terrific piece! I love the speckled stone and the grace and charm of this little girl. It's wonderful to see you on here again and I'm so glad to hear you've had so much work.

I'm so glad Chris has posted that link - I've always wanted to sculpt something other than PlayDoh monsters. I'm ordering a book right away.