How-to: Creating Court

Article Transcript

What a nice and challenging project! When Debbo asked me some months ago if I would provide some video clips and how-to pictures of one of my caricature sculptures, I was quite excited to do it. And to figure out HOW to do it. I‘ve never worked with a camera. But I like challenges and said YES!

But what should my subject matter be? Or more like who? I decided on Court Jones, whose entertaining and concise Proko.com - Art of Caricature Course I enjoy watching very much every Friday with my morning coffee.

So I borrowed the handycam from my brother, found the right tripod and did what I could ... but in the end it worked out. And here it is.

1. For my reference images, I tried to find photos that showed him from various angles so that I had a complete 360 degree view of his head.

2. Then I started simplifying the face shapes. I tried to find out what is essential. I was also inspired by Court’s awesome techniques in his Proko Caricature Course and used it here.

3. I also took notes and made a sketch for the armature.

4. I build the armature with masking tape, 1mm aluminum wire, aluminum foil for the body and “skull”.

5. Then I compare the armature to my note sketch to make sure my dimensions are correct.

6. Once the armature is ready, I start putting black FIMO onto it. For the clothing and hair I use FIMO soft and FIMO professional.

To steady the armature, I drill holes in a wooden block and stick the bottom ends of the armature into the block.

7. Using my all time favorite tool, BeeSTools Tooltip A & Af, I start sculpting the tiny shoes. Then I pre-bake by using a heat gun.

8. The first layer of polymer clay is applied, establishing the pose. For the flesh, I use BeeSPutty Plastic Summer Firm Xtra Micro Doll Art (yes, very complicated name - but good stuff). Then I pre-bake in the oven for 15-30 minutes at 110-130° C (230 -266° F) for stabilizing.

9. I transfer the marks of the features from the sketch to the clay. Since the face is the most important, I use calipers that I bought at a dentist supply online shop for accuracy.

10. Next I add the eyes, which I‘ve already prepared: tiny balls of white clay, metallic blue acrylics for the iris, a super tiny ball of black polymer clay and a drop of Lisa Pavelkas Magic-Gloss make perfect mini eyes.

11. To add features to the face, I use knitting needles, a loop tool, ballpoint styluses and BeeSTools - check out the little video to see all that goes into it.

12. Now it is time for the signs. I roll white FIMO flat and then cut it into two rectangles.

13. I make color prints from my computer of the Proko Logo and Newsletter images and seal it with FIMO Liquid, an oven-hardening, transparent and flexible gel. It is colorless - but you can mix it with small amounts of colored clay, to color - it looks like icing.

14. Now it is time to put it in the oven. Pre-bake for 30 minutes. Allow the clay to cool down in the oven to prevent cracking. Once cool I can start adding the hair and shirt.

15. Next I mix the clay for the hair by twisting different colors of FIMO together to get a striated blend and then roll until the colors are just right.

16. Then I roll the hair flat and attach it to Mini Court’s head. To connect baked to unbaked polymer clay, I use FIMO liquid as a glue.

17. Another flat piece of FIMO is treated like fabric as I mold it to create his shirt.

18. I add the details to the shirt. Can’t forget the buttons! The microphone is made of black polymer clay and was attached to the shirt before final baking.

19. After the final baking for 30 minutes at 110-130 ° (230 -266° F), I allow it to cool down for at least one hour in the oven. Then I use a toothbrush to polish the figurine.

20. For the finishing touches, I use paint and actual makeup for the shading, lips, cheeks and five o‘clock shadow.

21. Now adding the last detail: Court’s chest hair. It was not so easy to find the right material for Mini Court’s chest hair, but tiny pieces of unraveled packing string worked out well. I attach these to his neckline with super glue.

22. Final! Birgit drew and painted for about 10 years as a hobby before she started doing sculptures. “At the Eurocature 2014, artist Xi Ding told me it would be easier to sculpt than to draw. I didn’t believe him, tried it out, and was captivated. Now I am totally addicted and reduced my job at an architectural firm (where I do graphics and administration) in Vienna to 21 hours and sculpt for approximately 40 hours each week. In fact I’m sculpting more commissions than my own stuff lately. But I am not taking any new commissions for this year. I don’t want to lose my passion for sculpting.”

To see more of her work, visit her website: www.birgitvlk.com

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