Emile, in Super Sculpey

Bob Botha · 11-17-2008, 02:04 AM

I am not a sculptor, in fact I could count all the 3D art I have ever done on one hand and have a finger or two left over, but after I recently sculpted a cheetah at the request of my son, I felt the urge to do another. I bought a slab of Super Sculpey, a polymer clay, which
is baked in a regular oven, then did several loose sketches of a figure playing a saxophone. From these sketches, I formed an armature out of copper wire and starting with the head, I worked my way down, making it up as I went along. It was originally intended to be a flowing, highly simplistic figure, but, like with my paintings, I soon got bogged down with the details and once the head was complete, I had no choice but to continue in the same realistic mode as I had started. Since I had no reference at all, it took me a lot longer to complete than I had hoped, as I had nothing to follow regarding anatomical accuracy, or details like the folds in the clothing, resulting in having to redo certain areas until it looked right!
Nonetheless, I had fun, learned a lot, and will definately try my hand at sculpting again. After seeing Heidi's work on this forum, I am really inspired!
The figuerine is 9 1/2" tall and is finished with a gold metallic wax. I still need to make a base for it.

Claudemir Bonfim · 11-17-2008, 03:23 PM

Very nice.

I'd love to have one piece like that.

Bob Botha · 11-17-2008, 06:27 PM

Thank you Claudemir, if you saw it close up, you might change your mind! Nevertheless, I'm flattered!

Claudemir Bonfim · 11-17-2008, 07:46 PM

I'm sure I wouldn't change my mind.

I feel like smiling at the sight of your piece.

Garth Herrick · 01-07-2009, 01:18 AM

Well Bob,

Actually you ARE a sculptor! This is really cool and so visually engaging, and if I may say, as interesting and qualified as any sculpture ever posted here. (Not to diminish you, Heidi, you both ROCK!) I have to hope there is more to come from your creative hand. I'm inspired.

This is so well finished, so clean, yet spontaneous!

Garth

Bob Botha · 01-24-2009, 08:42 PM

I don't know how I missed your post, Garth, all I can say is Wow! You have made my day. You have no idea how much your comments mean to me. They are deeply appreciated and I must add that I am truly inspired by your work!