4.19.2013

Üdolf the Star Gazer

Well its been a busy couple of weeks, but at last Üdolf has finally arrived.  The first couple of pics show the progress from a funky little blob into a some what recognizable little creature.  I wanted to create some space in between the legs to make him more interesting.  In the end I built the nose on to make it look like a dogs nose.   









This is the final original sculpt.  I added some fur like texture and smoothed out the nose and ears.  


 Here you can see the mold making process even better.  The first side is blocked off with water based clay and I use an old pizza box to create my mold walls.  The second side is made after the water based clay is cleaned out and the sculpture and the mold are scrubbed so that all the residue is removed.  Finally you can see the two halves of the mold with the resin cast that just came out.  You can see how he has this things coming out of his nose.  I chose to pour through the nose in order to preserve the texture on the bottom of the paws and the belly. 
This is the final product, notice how I had to refine the nose back to a high polish.  This takes cutting off the sprue with a small saw.  I then go through 8 different sand papers, and three polishing solutions.  I also use the polish to enhance the surface of the eyes and inner ears.  Notice the pitting on the forehead.  This was one of the first casts I did and had air bubbles.  It took a few tries, but I was able to eventually get the bubbles out of the later casts.  
I wanted to create an interesting box design.  The dots represent the points of interest on the sculpture.  I wanted it to look like a constellation since he is the star gazer.  I also wanted to do a little bit nicer box, so I got some heavier card stock and chose to do a double flap on the top.  
The final product comes with a figure, a custom box, and a certificate of authenticity.  If you are interested they can be purchased here for $20 plus S&H.

As always thanks for looking.  Questions are always welcome.
If you are interested in the tools and materials follow the links:
Smooth-Cast 325 - Resin
GI-1000 - Silcone (mold)
Various tools
Cx5 - sculpting material

4.12.2013

Etsy!!!

Well I finally took the plunge and decided to open an Etsy Store.  I named in UnderTheLadder, because that's where my studio exists right now.  Under the ladder to our bed.  As always thanks for looking and enjoy the shop.

I like you all to have images as well so here is a sneak peek at what's next.  I call him the star gazer.

 


4.05.2013

Corvax the Omnipotent

I know it has been a while since I have posted and apologize, but I promise I have been hard at work.  I made my first official collectible art toy.  In the past ten days I have gone from an idea to an edition of 30 cast resin little bundles of joy.  I put together a few pictures so that you can understand the process. 

The original Corvax sculpted in Three 60 wax made by Willow products.  Unfortunately they no longer produce wax, but don't worry I found an amazing replacement.  Cx5 is my new jam.
This is half of my "studio", the other half being my couch.  What you see is a 24"x18" vintage school desk in the nook underneath the ladder leading to my loft.  Behind me there is about 24" to my kitchen.  Tight quarters, but my new motto for the week is "Don't make excuses, make art."   
This is the mock up for the custom box that Corvax, comes in.  It was all originally hand drawn, then scanned. 


  
This is the mold I made for Corvax.  I used GI-1000 from The Compleat Sculptor. It is the first time I have used this particular silicone, and I must say its fantastic.  It is rigid enough to hold shape and be extremely durable, but still flexible enough I was able to create a one part mold, and still get my piece out with relative ease.  Notice I didn't even have to cut mine very much.     
  
These are the first five pulls from my mold.  I cast them with Smooth Cast-325 tinted with So-Stong black tint.  


Everybody has been scrubbed clean to make sure there is no residue of any kind.  Now waiting for you to take them home.  




 
A couple of detail shots of the final product.  Corvax Lives!  I have already sold a number of these guys, but still have a few left if anyone is interested.  $15 + $5 Shipping.  E-mail me at reesetchamness@gmail.com for inquiries.

Thanks for looking, already got the Star Gazer in progress... stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for looking.