Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Iron Horn - Monumental - Reattaching and Foaming

First off. This will make my sixth Life-size piece. Each one is new and has a set of obstacles that I have to solve. I've never had anyone show me how to do monumental pieces. I'm learning as I work on it. Each problem, has to be overcome. It's what makes it all so fun and interesting to do.
First thing I do today is reattach IH's left arm. I create a space between the main body and the arm then tape around the opening to create a space to pour foam into.



How do you create a space. I took scrap pieces of wood and pounded them into the foam body where the arm and shoulder were cut, leaving about a 1/2 inch of it above the surface.
I then put the arm/shoulder in position and put fondue sticks through the foam to keep it in place while I tape the opening closed. I then pour foam into the space. It works... lol


Now I start on his back and upper shoulders. I need to increase the depth of his upper body. I start by creating a tape reservoir to pour foam in. I take pieces of scrap foam into the space between the back and the tape. This pushes it out a bit. I finish the reservoir and then pour foam into it.


Here it is with the tape removed. I have to cut and shape the upper shoulders. I don't bother with the lower back because it will be covered with the clothing.


I then melt wax, and make a pattern for the back of the shirt. I cut it in the shape of a doe skin with the skin of the legs hanging down. I carefully dip the cloth into the melted wax and place it on the upper shoulders. I then shape the folds and put screws into it to hold it in place.


Tomorrow I'll back fill the space between the lower back and the inside of the shirt. I just have to figure out how I'll do that tomorrow..