Gary

Heidi Maiers · 01-08-2005, 11:18 PM

This took me forever and a day to complete - and a whole lot of muscle power, but at long last this 150% life-size bust is finally finished.

He looks like a stern, serious fellow - but this lovely man is my wonderful husband, so this bust is now a personal treasure of mine (and so is he of course).

Made of fired ceramic on a mahogany base, bronze coating patina. 28Hx 19W x 17D

Mary Sparrow · 01-09-2005, 09:15 AM

You never cease to amaze me Heidi, it is incredible. How does he feel about having his double sitting around the house?

Heidi Maiers · 01-09-2005, 01:04 PM

Thanks Mary,
He took pride in designing and making the base for it - turned out really nice I think.

He is also glad, as am I , that I can now toss the last one I made of him in 2000. Speaking of which, I thought it would be fun to post a picture of it. It is completely awful, so don't laugh. It's about 60% life size.

It's good to be able to look back at your older works and see that you are making progress. Gives me encouragement to keep at it and hope that in another 4 years, I will be ready to toss this new one for a much better one in its place.

Jimmie Arroyo · 01-09-2005, 02:16 PM

Wow, do you need to take tons of photo references at several angles, or does he sit for you, and you move around him? Other than the difficulty of seeing the details on such a dark piece, I'm sure the one in 2000 still looks good with a completely different expression. But what's important about this piece is that you are always willing to improve and not settle. Congrats.

Heidi Maiers · 01-09-2005, 03:11 PM

Hi Jimmie,

I knew going into this one that he would not be a very cooperative model. He is the type of guy that can't sit still for any length of time doing absolutely nothing so I took a series of photographs like I do with my real clients.

I did manage to get him to sit for me once, but after 5 minutes, he had such a look of complete and utter boredom on his face that I felt sorry for him and dismissed him. He did make the comment at one point when nearing completion that he would be glad when I was finished with this one so I would stop staring at him all the time.

Geary Wootten · 01-09-2005, 06:18 PM

Two things you can never go wrong with.....One: Viewing for pleasure, one of Heidi Maiers' sculptures. Two: Marrying a guy named Gary. Well...most of 'em anyway. The way to be sure is to get ahold of one that doesn't know exactly HOW to spell Gary.....you know the guys that add "e" or two "r's" or something weird like that.

Truly, Heidi.....your work just sits me down and makes me gawk. I have even needed a kleenex a couple of times while viewing your work....it's THAT emotional. Thanks again for sharing your work.

~Geary

Holly Snyder · 01-10-2005, 12:27 PM

Hi Heidi,

This is really wonderful. And to my uneducated eye it does seem like you've made remarkable strides since 2000. I also would like to see a shot from the direction he's looking towards, if you have one.

Holly

Linda Brandon · 01-10-2005, 12:53 PM

Heidi, this is so strong and intense, a terrific piece!

You should put him in a toga and sculpt a modern Julius Caesar, he's got that aura of nobility about him.

Heidi Maiers · 01-10-2005, 08:17 PM

Chris, Holly, and Linda - your comments are sincerely appreciated.

Chris, I'm sure that anyone who can paint as well as you can could also sculpt if they gave it a try - like me though, I'm sure you are having too much fun doing what you know and refining your skills. I am also reluctant to start out in another medium with so much to learn. I think I could do it if I put in the effort, but really, I just don't have the time or the desire. I will admit though that I have have had the itch to start drawing again since joining this forum.

Holly, I don't have an exact reference for this angle, but this one is close - a little different head position and angle. Don't sit there comparing them or you will no doubt see where I am off!

Linda, that sounds like a hoot! I can just picture it perfectly. Of course, chances of getting him to put on a dress are slim to none - even for a good cause

Holly Snyder · 01-11-2005, 10:47 AM

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for posting the close-up. Although I was curious to see more of a frontal shot of the actual sculpture, as I was interested in how you did the eyes. No biggie though, if you don't have any photos. I suspect we'll see more of your excellent work in the future!

Holly