A lot of people ask about my process, whether it's friends that are just curious, or clients that have a vested interest. I loose them with all the terminology. I have noticed it’s because there are a few common misconceptions and misuses of sculpting terminology. Let me share with you, a linear list of the stages and associated terminology for producing a sculpture. You never know when these may come in handy! You may need to make small talk with a sculptor at a cocktail party… I've got you covered.
Concept design. This will often consist of a consultation with the client or interior designer. I will ask for some visual material such as photos of the clients space and preexisting decor that sets the theme of the space. I will then draw a few sketches of the proposed sculpture. A visit to the space to measure up may also be necessary. Once a sketch is approved I will make a maquette.
A maquette is a small preliminary model of the proposed sculpture. Similar to a model aeroplane or model car. It is a small version of the real thing. This allows changes to be rectified on the small version. It will save money and time. Having a maquette to look at will aid immensely in planning the correct approach.
Armature. Some sculptures will require an armature which is much like a skeleton. It is a structure inside the sculpture that will give it strength. It is important to get the shape of the armature right before you start to sculpt.
To sculpt or Sculpting is the act of shaping the wax or clay, by use of your hands or sculpting tools. I don’t like to use the word model or modeling in this context however, you could.
Carving is a term generally only used when working with hard wax, wood, stone or polystyrene, using carving tools or a carving knife.
Once the sculpting or carving is done, you have a sculpture. Some sculptures, namely ones that are carved from a hard material like wood, can be painted etc and the process is complete.
If the sculpture was sculpted out of soft wax, it needs to be moulded. There are many reasons for doing this and there are many types of moulds and different ways to mould. I'll get into that in another post. For now I really want to clear up this misconception...
Many people i have spoken to think that the word “mould” refers to the sculpture itself. When in actual fact it's the complete opposite. The mould is a cocoon like casing that is made around the sculpture. It gives you a negative impression of the sculpture and allows you to make multiple copies of the sculpture.
Once a mould has been made around a wax sculpture, it needs time to set. The mould then needs to be opened and the wax sculpture is removed. Often the wax sculpture will be damaged or ruined in this process, but this is fine, it’s job is done. The mould then needs to be cleaned, ready for casting.
Casting refers to the process of pouring or brushing a liquid material into the mould that will set hard. For example, resin.
The cast. This term refers to the hard set sculpture that comes out of the mould. The cast can now be painted or polished etc. You now have your finished sculpture.
Here I am casting a lampshade sculpture by pouring clear blue resin into a silicone mould.