Between sessions, my most recent model is studying
Business Management. Last week, as part
of her course work, she had to make a presentation on the subject of teamwork. For her topic, she cited the artist and model
as one of her examples.
Her choice speaks volumes about her understanding of the crucial
role of the model. Furthermore, it set me
thinking about a host of others who have contributed their skills to the
sculptor’s work.
Not least on the list are those master craftsmen who for
centuries have made the tools for the job.
This link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvr2nZeAfNc
will give you glimpse of what’s involved.
Then comes the moulders, who job is to take the initial waste-mould and
then the intricate piece-mould. And
finally, the multiple skills of the foundry workers.
Over the years I have been privileged to share the work
of these incredibly accomplished artisans.
Sadly their numbers are in decline and there is an urgent need to train
future generations before their skills are lost forever.
To make full-circle, let me come back to the contribution
of the model. From a life-time’s practice
I’ve learnt to make my own tools and take my own moulds. Given a furnace, I can cast in bronze. But without a model, sympathetic to the work
at hand, I can’t even begin.
Today’s sketch shows one of my models relaxing between
sessions and I dedicate it to all of those who have worked behind the scenes to
make my work possible.
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