Working in 3D

Heidi Maiers · 03-19-2004, 02:49 AM

There has been quite a bit of interest generated about working in 3D this week - from a thread in the inroduction section by one of our new members (Garth Herrick) who both paints and sculps beautifully. If you are interested in reading some info about photographing 3D, firing techniques, and surface finishing, visit http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=4033

We can use this area to continue discussion about sculpture techniques so that those visiting this forum seeking sculpting information can find it more readily.

I recieve email from forum members from time to time who would like to try their hand at sculpting and are looking for some quick info on the process. If there is enough interest, I'll gather a series of photos, the next time I start on a ceramic bust, and place a start to finish demo in the "Subject-Specific Demos" section of this forum.

Chris Saper · 03-19-2004, 10:35 PM

Heidi,

Thanks for starting this thread. After my one sculpture class, whch I enjoyed beyond description, I have a very strong respect for those who do sculpture well. And I will say I don't think that many do.

And in that sculpture class I was really humbled. There is so very much to know about the medium. After four weeks on a head, I brought my little project home only to find that four days later the scalp had separated from the face. My son said, "Mom! You are a really good sculptor, except for the face."

Nonetheless, I loved the class and the process. Perhaps I will take it up again at some point. In the meantime, I really appreciate what you do.

Heidi Maiers · 03-20-2004, 12:26 AM

Thanks Chris,
That is priceless! Kids say the cutest things. I feel that same appreciation for what you all can do with paint. It's so.... well, .. flat!

I am hoping that more and more portrait sculptors will come join the forum and share their knowledge and techniques with us as so many top-notch portrait painters have. There is still so very much to learn and I feel as though I've just barely scratched the surface.

It's a strange phenomenon, but I think artists actually learn more quickly, and learn things they didn't even know they didn't know, when they share (sew) their seeds of knowledge with each other rather than keep them bottled up in a jar and wait for them to grow.

Garth Herrick · 03-20-2004, 03:14 AM

Heidi, thanks for the new thread. We've already covered all we probably want to know about firing my sculpture bust. I look forward to more techniques, tips and tools from all. I hope its not wasting too much space to relate this model story, below.

Chris, I love your sculpture story about your son's reaction.

Speaking of kids responses, I could have used some more experience with small children when the 3 year old subject of my first sculpture became extremely distraught, realizing he would not have any arms in his portrait bust! Help! He was done posing for the day. It hadn't occurred to me how different a 3 year old's perceptions are, and how something thats off in a portrait can spook them.

Has anyone else had related experiences or solutional approaches to ease small children, other than a can of soda?

Garth

Heidi Maiers · 03-20-2004, 11:08 AM

The very best approach I have found to ease children (both young and old) is to bring in the cats. I have three very friendly house kitties that love the attention and it warms the kids right up so we can get to work.