Portrait in Wax

Heidi Maiers · 06-21-2011, 10:33 PM

OK, I can finally post a few photos publicly of my first job for Ripleys wax museums. They are a dream client to work for and I am deep in the midsts of project #2 and #3 with more on the horizon.
Top is the finished wax (waxwork by Ripleys) bottom is a PR shot of me with the bust in progress. This is Taylor Lautner who plays Jacob Black in those Twilight movies that are popular with teens these days.
Few more photos here
http://www.heidimaiers.com/HTMGalleries/Taylor.htm

Not really the style I prefer (like to work loosly in water based clay instead of high detail like this), but forces me to really study my anatomy and will no doubt help to improve my skills in that regard.

Richard Monro · 06-21-2011, 10:37 PM

Heidi,

This is wonderful. Your skill level is at the master level and getting better. Congratulations on the commissions. you worked so hard to get here.

Julie Deane · 06-22-2011, 08:51 AM

This is great, Heidi! Congratulations on the commissions. I hope you will share the finished product on display - do you think you will have an "unveiling"?

Alexandra Tyng · 06-22-2011, 11:18 AM

Bravo, Heidi, for getting this dream client. It's good to be able to earn a living doing what you love, even if it involves some compromise in style, etc. You did such a beautiful job. They made an excellent choice when they picked you!

Sara Lasso Lopez · 07-02-2011, 02:28 PM

Great work, Heidi! I am looking forward to see more, please continue uploading them.

Heidi Maiers · 07-10-2011, 04:25 PM

Many thanks you guys! Julie, no unveiling - the piece is being produced and shipped off to various ripley museums. Haven't even seen an announcement for it, so not really any big deal. The project I'm working on now for them is prince William and Kate. This is another fun one. The teeth are a bit of a challenge and have made those seperately (as a full set of dentures) out of polymer clay.

Julie Deane · 07-10-2011, 06:09 PM

so....are those William's?

Hadn't thought about dentition - can see how it would be an issue.

Sara Lasso Lopez · 07-14-2011, 09:21 AM

He has such a characteristic smile (showing a lot of teeth) that must be quite a challenge to not over-emphasize it.

Alexandra Tyng · 07-14-2011, 10:07 AM

Heidi, I learn something new from you all the time! This is all so interesting, and I am so glad you got these commissions.

Heidi Maiers · 07-17-2011, 09:49 PM

Yeah, they are both real toothy so no way to avoid having teeth showing in these busts. Giving William just a slight smile that doesn't distort his face too much - not the big goofy grin.