Clay is the medium I sculpt in to arrive with a finished piece, which is then molded and cast in bronze. However there is a lot to the beginnings of each piece, even before bronze casting. below I have added the stages in between from it’s armature beginnings: LEFT to the near finished clay sculpture: RIGHT.

This is how all of my sculptures begin, with a simple phalange attached to a board. These inner workings are called ‘the armature’. See how it progresses from here!

From the phalange and pipe I begin to attach armature wire using nothing more than standard duck tape.

You may notice that I twist the wire unto itself. This is for a dual purpose: First, to add strength to the armature.  Second, the twist keeps the clay from sliding of shifting on the wire as I sculpt.

The aluminum wire armature allows me the freedom to adjust my composition at any time.

At this stage my armature is complete for the most part, with a general idea of the composition.

Next, I begin to add aluminum foil in masses of space. This will save on the amount of clay I use and it will keep the sculpture from getting to heavy.

Here, I am beginning to add clay.

I begin adding clay and making adjustments as I go.

You now begin to see general forms taking shape.

I pay particular attention to the focal points, such as the hands.

Now the heads are quickly put into place.

I begin to work out the final gesture. Of course, there is still a lot of detailing left to do.

This is the completed composition.

Now you will notice details beginning to emerge as I sculpt.

Take a look at ’Forever One’ roughed in.  This work-in-progress can be seen in person as I continue to work on it at Keith Huey’s Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. http://hueysfineart.com/EdNatiya.htm 

Hope you enjoy!