雕塑基础

The core task of this step is to determine sculpture creation theme and conduct maquette creation, laying creative foundation for formal sculpture. Sculpture is the plastic art of three-dimensional space, requiring consideration of form and space from all angles. Maquette creation is an important part of sculpture creation, which can quickly verify creativity, explore different modeling schemes, and find the best direction for formal creation.

• Determine creation theme and sculpture type, choose directions such as figurative sculpture, abstract sculpture, installation art, portrait sculpture, landscape sculpture, etc., clarify thematic ideas and emotional expression of creation, write creative conception statement
• Conduct maquette creation, use easily moldable materials such as clay, plasticine, oil-based clay, paper clay, etc., make multiple small-scale design drafts, try different forms, dynamics, compositions, spatial relationships, explore various possibilities
• Evaluate and select schemes, evaluate each maquette scheme from multiple dimensions such as creativity, feasibility, expressiveness, technical difficulty, select the best 1-2 schemes for deepening, determine final creation scheme and size

This step is the armature building phase of sculpture creation, establishing internal support and basic form of the work. Armature is the internal structure of sculpture, determining the basic form and stability of the work. Large form modeling is piling up basic volume on the basis of armature, establishing overall outline and movement of the work.

• Design and build armature, according to sculpture form, size, material, design reasonable support structure, use steel bars, wire, wood boards and other materials to make armature, ensure armature is firm, center of gravity is stable, form is accurate
• Apply big clay/heap up large volume, use sculpting clay, plaster, foam and other materials, conduct large form modeling on armature, pile out basic volume and outline, focus on grasping overall movement, proportion, center of gravity, spatial relationship
• Adjust large form and overall relationship, observe from front, side, back all angles, repeatedly adjust large form relationships, check if movement is natural, proportion is accurate, volume is balanced, ensure large form accuracy and overall coordination

This step is the core deepening phase of sculpture creation, conducting deep modeling and detail carving on the basis of large form. Deep modeling is the key link reflecting sculpture level, requiring from whole to parts, then from parts back to whole, repeatedly deepening. Through fine depiction, express details such as structure, muscle, texture, etc. of the form, making the work have sense of life and appeal.

• Conduct layered deep modeling, from large form planes to small structural undulations, deepen layer by layer, study anatomical structure and form relationships, through additive and subtractive methods sculpt form undulations, transitions, intersections, express volume sense and weight sense of form
• Carve details and texture, carefully depict detail characteristics of the subject, such as character facial expressions, muscle structure, clothing folds, hair and skin textures, etc., use different tools and techniques to express different material textures
• Handle space and virtual-real relationship, pay attention to spatial sense and perspective relationship of sculpture, handle relationship between solid and void, consider visual effects under different lighting and different angles, make work have rich spatial layers

This step is the technicalphase of transforming clay sculpture into permanent material, through mold makingcraftsmanship converting sculpture works into durable materials such as plaster, resin, bronze, fiberglass, etc. Mold making is an important technicalphase in sculpture creation, requiring rigorous craftsmanship and meticulous operation. Material selection and processing also directly affect the final presentation effect of the work.

• Make molds, choose appropriate mold making methods (silicone mold, plaster mold, wax mold, etc.) according to sculpture form and material, make molds in sections, properly handle release agent and parting lines, ensure molds are complete and accurate
• Perform material casting and conversion, choose final presentation material (plaster, resin, fiberglass, bronze, etc.), follow process flow for casting, curing, demolding, obtain work blank after material conversion
• Conduct work trimming and surface treatment, repair, polish, assemble the cast work, handle mold lines and defects, perform surface effect treatment (coloring, antiquing, polishing, matte, etc.), achieve ideal material effect

This step is the concluding phase of sculpture creation, completing final processing of the work and base making, conducting overall presentation of the work. Base is an important component of sculpture works; a good base can enhance the display effect of the work. At the same time, summarize and reflect on the entire creation process, accumulate experience, lay foundation for future creations.

• Make base and display stand, according to work style, size, material, design and make matching base, consider coordination of base material, shape, height, color with the work, enhance overall display effect
• Conduct final overall adjustment and improvement, check all angles and details of the work, perform final trimming and polishing, ensure completeness and exquisiteness of the work, sign artist signature and creation year
• Organize creation process and summary, properly preserve maquettes, photos, molds, tools, etc. during creation process, write creation summary and experience reflections, record creative thinking, process and gains