Normally, I can
complete an initial clay portrait in a matter of days. However, my portrait bust of Jessica has been
slowly evolving since late last year. The
long gestation period came about through better knowing my sitter as the weeks
and months slipped by. The more that I
saw of the soul, the less convincing was my modelling of the bodily
features.
Had not a
mutual friend visited my studio and declared the bust a true likeness of the
sitter, the clay would turn to dust before it was finished to my
satisfaction.
While buoyed up with our friend’s positive response, we declared the portrait finished and began taking the “waste mould” from the clay, the first stage of which involves taking courage in both hands and throwing wet plaster over the clay image. The term “waste mould” is apt, for if it goes wrong, all is lost. Hence, dust to dust!
While buoyed up with our friend’s positive response, we declared the portrait finished and began taking the “waste mould” from the clay, the first stage of which involves taking courage in both hands and throwing wet plaster over the clay image. The term “waste mould” is apt, for if it goes wrong, all is lost. Hence, dust to dust!
It is a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing.
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