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Armature for metal sculpture
hautsteel -
Thursday, July 16, 2009 - 9:33am
armature | metal sculpture Hey folks! Last year I completed a commission for a bird sculpture (http://www.wildgates.com/bird-sculpture-10.html), but the way I went about creating the initial shape was, well, a bit edgy. You can follow my process here: http://www.wildgates.com/bird-sculpture-1.html Although my client was elated with the piece, I know I have room for improvement in my methods. To be more specific: I would like to discover a method which will provide more control over shaping the subject matter into a suitable form. Perhaps sculpting the body from clay and having it cast in an alloy that will allow me to weld the feathers, scales, whatever on later - or some medium that can burned out after the shape begins to take place in metal? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions from someone with more experience in this area. Dino  Hi Warren, Thanks for
hautsteel -
Friday, July 17, 2009 - 7:42am
Hi Warren, |
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ArtMetal
Nice Bird
Dino, if there was an easier way, then it would get mass produced. For me when I make birds I make up a steel armature just for the body and legs. More just to support while working but also gives some stiffness for the legs.
For the neck try making out of two halves of sheet metal cut in the shape of the neck S. You have to leave a little extra metal to make sure you give the right diameter. This way you only have two weld seams. Well at least that is the way I do it.
The body I just make with the feathers and weld from the inside. You have to do a little bit of planning but it works. I work from the front to the back that way I can just fold up the butt and not weld.
Oh well have fun on the next one.
www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren