During my research into modelling clay and casting I have found that although there is definitely information to be found on the internet regarding the materials and a little on the process, it is still quite vague and difficult to pin point visual representatives. As I result I thought I would document this process carefully from the beginning in order for others to gain a better understanding of how the final sculptural outcome has been reached from a practical standpoint. Idea wise I'm afraid your on your own folks!
To begin with an armature is made mimicking the basic desired shape with chicken wire. It is stuffed with news paper to make the structure more ridged and is also attached to a base for stability. I have used a basic sculpture plinth, aka a base of wood with a wooden pole attached to the centre. Any extremities of the model are mapped out with chicken wire also. In this case that would be the top and lower jaws of the wolf. This prevents them from falling off which they would most probably do if they were solely solid clay.
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| Armature of wolf head... |
Once your underlying structure is complete you can then apply the clay. It is advisable to initially apply a thick layer of clay, more clay than is needed so that you can carve into it to create your model. Think of it as your final model being trapped within the clay and you are stripping back layers to release it! More clay can also be added throughout the process. In my case I have both stripped back (to create the form) and added clay (teeth and ears) to reach the final desired model.
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| Basic features and clay layer... |
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