The Sculpting Techniques Bible: An Essential Illustrated Reference for Both Beginner and Experienced Sculptors

193 Pages·2006·18.137 MB·English

by  Claire Waite Brown (editor)

The
Sculpting
Techniques
Bible

The
Sculpting
Techniques
Bible
An essential illustrated
reference for both beginner
and experienced sculptors
Edited by
Claire Waite Brown
Contents
Introduction 6 Firing 69
Moldmaking 72
Getting started 8
Casting 79
Studio guidelines 10 Direct modeling 88
Clay 12 Carving 94
Plaster 20 Relief 104
Cement and Construction 116
cement fondue 24 Assemblage 124
Polyester resin 26 Surface finishes 126
Stone 28 Bases 140
Wood 33
Construction equipment 38 Themes 144
Making armatures 40 People 146
Making bases 41 Animals 154
Finishing materials 42 Nature 159
Objects 164
Techniques 46
Composition 171
Preliminary planning 48 Surface texture 175
Solid modeling 50 Relief 180
Hollow modeling 54
Surface modeling 58
Glossary 184
Armatures 61
Suppliers 187
Modeling clay on an
Index 188
armature 65
Credits 192
6
Introduction
Making sculpture—the art of manipulating material to create three-dimensional
form—is an extremely pleasurable,intense,and rewarding experience.It is an
activity that is intrinsic to human nature,dating from prehistoric times when
stone was first carved.
Carving and modeling are the traditional techniques
used in sculpture.However,with the evolution of
new materials and techniques,the range of
possibilities available to the sculptor has
greatly expanded.
The techniques described in this book will
provide the novice or practicing sculptor
with a solid foundation on which to build a
repertoire of sculpting skills.It illustrates the fundamental
Build a techniques of sculpting and shows you how to use basic
collection of
materials.If you have never made a sculpture before,you will
tools
undoubtedly find in the following pages a technique you can use
to start you off,while more experienced sculptors will discover the possibilities
that lie with untried techniques or materials.
The book begins with a section aimed at arming you with all the
information you need to get started.The various
sculpting materials,and the tools
needed to work them,are
discussed here,along with
relevant safety
information and any
necessary preparatory
techniques.The techniques
section then covers the
practical aspects of
sculpting,including
modeling with clay
Discover the characteristic
properties of materials
7
and plaster,making molds and casts from
various materials,and carving and
construction techniques.There are also
examples of finishes you can apply to
the surface of your sculpture,and a
look at suitable bases you may
choose to show your work off to its
full potential.
The final section is designed
to help you learn by example,and
features the work of many and varied
sculptors.While the best thing about
being a sculptor is enjoying what you
do and experimenting with your own style,
Learn from the work of
looking at how other artists work can help you to
professional artists
discover your own interests.
Developing skills is important,but what
matters even more is that you take pleasure in what
you do,so treat this book as a springboard to
launch you into the exciting world of sculpture.
Discover how to handle
tools with confidence

Chapter One
GETTING
STARTED
10 Getting started
Studio guidelines
Having a designated studio space will make your sculpting experience
all the more enjoyable,and allows you to close the door on your work
if it ever gets frustrating.A garage,attic,basement,spare room in the
house,or disused warehouse can all be equipped to provide just such
a space.The basic necessities are good lighting,storage space for
tools,materials,and finished work,plenty of work surface space,and
access to running water for mixing materials and cleaning up.
It is important that you keep the studio as tidy as possible.Tools
and equipment stored neatly on shelves or in a cupboard are more
likely to stay in prime condition and can be quickly found when
needed.It is also vital that different types of material are kept
apart—for example,clay should be kept well away from chips of
stone,and plaster,which needs to be kept dry,must be stored away
from clay,which has to remain damp.
Studio layout
1
Important factors in
working out the design
for a studio are good
4
light (1), both natural and
artificial, and ventilation
8
(2), as much work surface
as possible (3), secure
7 storage facilities (4), and
clear floor space (5). It is
also vital to have a sink
and running water
close at hand (6), large
2 3
garbage cans (7), a fire
extinguisher (8), and
9 plenty of electric wall
6
sockets (9).
5