Exploring the art of 3D Sculpture planning and Outcome

This term I am planning to make 6 of the artworks taking the theme Oceanic. 4 of the artworks will be based on 2D techniques however remaining 2 will be 3D artworks. In this blog I will be taking you in a journey with me about the planning of my 3D artworks: Traditional 3D artwork and Digital 3D artwork.

                                       

Traditional 3D Artwork:

1. Choosing the right material

In week 5 we had an amazing skill session where we learned about the armature and basics of sculpting by our tutor. In the beginning of the session, he provided us some information about materials and tools we can use for sculpting such as square board for foundation, aluminium wire for the armature, air drying clay for main layer, super glue and cordless electrical drill. 

2. Gathering Reference

After the instructions by the tutor, he told us to choose a picture out of many printed pictures as a reference. I chose the image below because it capture the essence of the pose that I could use for my on going 3D project. It helped me to ensure accuracy and realism in my sculpture.

3. Building Armature

We were following the marks of the tutor, as he began by giving shapes to the armature which was made of .3 mm aluminum wire. He gave the aluminum wire a basic skeletal structure, focusing on proportion and anatomy and comparing the structure to the layout we had on the table. We all did as precisely as we can and came out with our respective structures. I paid close attention to the posture, as it sets the foundation for capturing the desired pose and creating a realistic representation. We used another length on aluminum wire for the leg portion and used a copper wire to tighten them. The copper wire would later help on sticking the clay in the armature without more of a struggle.

See below:

4. Establishing the base for sculpture.

After making an armature, we gave it a pose referenced to the image we had before. After giving it a dynamic pose. We graphed the armature leg point in the board and marked with pencil to make a co-ordinate. We used cordless electrical drill to make holes respective to our marks. After that we used the super glue to stick the armature onto the board. 

5. Establishing the Basic forms

After establishing the base, I dived into making basic form.  I used small portions of air drying clay, started by sculpting the major shape of the body. I started to make the torso, hips and limbs. After giving it a basic form, I worked to give it a female body shape referred to my photo reference. I ensured the accurate proportions and symmetry. Gradually, it started to look more like a human structure. 

6. Refining the details

As it was progressing, I started to give it my own details. I made a head and hand to it. However I had a 3D project where I had decided to make a female character. Therefore, I got an idea to make the sculpture look like the character I had in my mind. I gave my structure a new form by adding head with tentacles. 

7. Balancing Form and Aesthetics

I watched so many videos afterwards to make my character have that looks and details. As I am not a master of sculpting, I enjoyed to learn more about sculpting by watching the videos from internet. I was watching and applying the studies to my sculpture too. It helped me give the sculpture a new identity while still honoring the beauty of the female form. While realism is important, I also felt free to fuse my own personal learning and style to the sculpture.

Sculpting the mouth

Sculpting Wonder Woman

Sculpting on a budget

Sculpting a female head in clay

Sculpting the female body

 

Sculpting Timelapse- Head Modeling 

8. Final Outcome.

Once the sculpture was completely dried, I did some final touches. I smoothed some rough surfaces using wet cloth and crafting knife. However, I did not color the sculpture to protect the quality of sculpturing. Thus, natural color suited the sculpture.

Sculpting a 3D female came out to be great. The process of using almunium wire to make armature was a great achievement for me. I somehow managed to capture the beauty and grace of the female form. Through patience, attention to detail and hardwork, we can create a sculpture that can leave mark in the world of 3D. 

Reference:

Beginner's School (2017)  Beginner's School: Sculpting the Mouth. 30 June. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OESUyPhb4E (Accessed: 15/05/2023)

Downtown Sculpts (2021) Sculpting Wonder Woman. 16 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajQ6t_ujSVQ (Accessed: 15/05/2023)

Eirik Arnesen Art (2020) Sculpting On A Budget - The Armature. 9 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wI6oTqaL9g (Accessed: 15/05/2023)

Joanna Mozdzen (2010) Sculpting a female head in clay. Sculpting tutorial and demo. 1 June. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH5Eri5pGW0 (Accessed: 15/05/2023)

Stampeding Tortosie (2020) Sculpting the Female Body - Roma Clay. 10 May. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7r_4WL7bYk (Accessed: 15/05/2023)

Stecca (2019) Sculpting Timelapse - Head Modeling(tutorial). 25 August. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64bpcvDM4Ug (Accessed: 15/05/2023).