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RandyHand β progress on BIG tree...
Published: 2009-03-13 18:51:54 +0000 UTC; Views: 15043; Favourites: 333; Downloads: 0
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So here's what I have so far on the tree sculpt...I apologize for the dorky pic of me, but I wanted to stand next to it so she could get an idea of the size perspective...
I'm 5'9" so the tree will end up being a little over 6 ft. tall...
I hate pictures of myself, let alone trying to take ones with my camera remote...(in my left hand)
I just got off the phone with Joyce, the one who is buying it, and she was ecstatic!
I photo shopped in the leaf clumps because those will be fabricated in when it's in bronze.
I'm sculpting 3 different sizes of leaf clumps...Large like the one that is to the left. A medium and small clump will be sculpted as well. I will then pour mulitples of each size from the single molds and then weld them in place naturally throughout the tree.
I wanted to go for a banzai/Dr. Seussy kind of look if that makes any sense...
I'm sculpting 3 different branch lengths and thickness. I have two sizes poking out of the leaf clump on the left.
I'll have those molded and will then run through multiple castings of them as well.
Those will be sporadically welded on to the bigger branches for a natural look.
Then at the very end we'll weld tiny loops on all the branches and that's what the stem to the cheese and crackers will hang from, giving it the appearance that the tree is actually bearing cheese and crackers as fruit....
The title of the piece when all is said and done, will be
"Mr. Cheesencrackers"
The location of her property is Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii and we're going to shoot for staying there in July.
I freaked out when she told me there are
"artist accomodations" right there at the gardens.
I asked how much we'd have to budget for and she said it's free. All we'll have to do is get airline tickets, rental car and eats...
I couldn't believe it when she told me that.(me cleaning out my diapers)
I'm really happy with how the tree is coming along...
I'll be hiding little things around the roots that I'll reveal at a later date...
Hope you like what I have so far...
Ps. I will be posting progress shots of it eventually...
I started with a 3 inch steel pipe armature, that I welded together with the upper branches being re-bar welded to that.
I then added styrafoam to fill out the bulk of the trunk etc. and shaped it before adding an outer layer of clay.
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Comments: 332
Thanks so very much!
This was one of my most challenging pieces but I was so happy with the end result.
Thanks as well for the fave!
Take care
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Love your work! I was wondering what kind of clay you put over your armatures? is it airdry, and is it durable/strong enough on its own or do u coat it once cured?
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Thank you so much!
The clay that I've been using on my larger work is an oil based clay made by a company called J-Mac.
It never dries. Then I mould it and have it cast in bronze.
The final version of the Big Tree is bronze and resides in Kauai. randyhand.deviantart.com/art/Mβ¦
If you want to see my process on how I sculpted it (from armature to final clay) here's the link to my tutorial here: randyhand.deviantart.com/art/Hβ¦
Also there's a tutorial on how I moulded it here: randyhand.deviantart.com/art/Hβ¦
If you ever need a good explanation of how something like this is cast in bronze go to www.artcastings.com
Somewhere on their site should be a video and a link to how the whole bronze casting business works.
I worked at this foundry for 6 1/2 years and that's where I got my 'real' start in sculpting.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the watch and for liking my work.
Take care
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I make an armature out of steel tube and rods, and then cover it as much in foam as possible and then cover that in oil based clay.
If you get a chance, check out my tutorials folder and look at the making of the tree....LOTS of work but it was fun!
Thanks for the faves!
All my best to you,
Take care
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Brilliant tutorial 
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Thank you so much!
That would be fun to do that way and have in your living room!
Would love to see your piece when it's done.
Take care
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it might take a long while before it is done, but if I ever finishes to my satisfaction, then I sent you a Picture 
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Hi,Β
I was researching ideas for an eighties styled wishing tree and was leaning towards creating something with the wish dragon "Falcore" twisting around its trunk, with a few gremlins in there. I was wondering how you constructed the internal body? I was leaning to creating 3D in newspaper on a steel frame, then coating it in expanding foam to carve and shape. I was hoping to keep it light weight for transport. I am assuming that you used plaster?Β
Since you have created something this large I was wondering if there was any advice that you could give me. I have not attempted my sculpture yet and knowing your own artist practice in trial and error may help me to correct any flaws or enhance my materials choice for my concept.Β
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I did a tutorial on how I sculpted the big tree... Look under my tutorials folder and you can see how I approached the process.
I'm not familiar with making a lightweight sculpture but a friend of mine might be able to help you with that.
Check out
Tim would have some great ideas for you.
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Thank you so much, Randy. I really appreciate all your help with this endeavour. I hope to also be able to pass on the knowledge with my high school visual arts students for their major works.Β
Keep on creating such wonderful and inspiring works. I wish you all the best in your artistic endeavours.Β
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You bet!
Let me know when your students come up with some pieces...I'd love to see them!
All my best to you,
Take care
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Sure thing... glad to help if I can Β
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Oh my gosh! Great job! I did something like this in my high school art class. I go to Dryfoos, the school of arts. We had to sculpt a 5 foot tall object inlarged of whatever you like, I did a willow tree with a little kid reading under it. Great job anyway!!
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Thanks so much! It was fun to work on.
Sounds like yours was fun as well!
Thanks for the fave on 'Ladies?' as well.
Take care
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It really was, and you're very welcome!
It was great browsing through you're art.
You to, sir!
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Thanks again!
All my best,
Take care
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Thank you so much....and for the watch and the fave!
All my best to you,
Take care
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You're welcome ! 
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You are too kind...thanks again.
All my best to you ,
Take care
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you stand in the background like"yeah... done like a boss...."
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Exactly that's what i think too, also i like the tree's facial expression, nicely done
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me too, he did an amazing job
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Ha ha...actually it's more like, "I hate getting my picture taken so let's get this over with"
Thanks so much for the fave!
All my best,
Take care
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haha! Your welcome! God bless!
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Thanks so much!
Actually it's finished and installed...here's the final shot [link]
Take care
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Wow. That's huge haha I was looking at the progress pics and totally did not realize it was THAT big hahaha
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Thanks so much...yes, it took up some room in my studio for sure!
Thanks for the faves as well!
All my best,
Take care
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So true...heh heh...
Thanks for the fave!
Take care
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beautiful work... i want one for my back yrd.... an awsome tree sir!!!!!
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Thanks so very much!
It was a fun one to work on for sure...
Best to you!
Take care
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I'm currently at the very end of my enlistment in the USMC. (Deployed and in Afghanistan 
But when I get out (come Aug. or Nov.) I'm going to go to college (Like I should have done in the first place, I'm 24 almost 25) for art!
Basically -long story short- I want to be a sculptor. I don't care what I'm sculpting or for whom I'm sculpting (whatever) for. It's my dream career. All I have to show for in my gally -sculpture wise (if you'd even call it that)- is a very small bunny... :/ But I know I have the ability.. I just need the opportunity to refine my skills.
Anyway I'm just rambling. I love your work and aspire to have your talents and be able to touch and mold as much clay as you have.
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First off, thank you for your service to our country...
Second...thanks for the great message...
To tell you the truth, you're not that old to be getting in to sculpting...there's really no set age, but you're getting a lot earlier start than I did.
Unless you want to teach sculpting, I wouldn't waste your money on art school.
Just throw yourself in to it by drawing as much as possible.
This was invaluable advice from a buddy of mine who was a Disney animator. (if you can draw well, you can sculpt)
The next is to look for good tutorials...
a buddy of mine here on DA is and he has some great ones.
Knowing first how it make a good armature is going to save you a lot of headaches with sculpting.
It seems like there's a lot to learn, but once you throw yourself in to it with passion, that's half the battle right there.
Feel free to message me with any questions or concerns as well...If I can't help you with something, I have plenty of friends here on DA who can.
Best of luck!
Take care
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It has been suggested to me that I go to college for something other than art, because their aren't that many art related jobs that pay well.. The term "starving artist" comes to mind..
I just want to do what I love.. and get paid for it. If I could skip getting a BFA and jump right into some art job I would.
It just seems more likely that I can get a decent paying art related job with a BFA. :/
I've been torn on this subject for a while.
I've got 3 more month in Afghanistan and then around 4 more months before the end of my contract, so 7 months to figure it out, but I'm so lost.
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I completely understand.
I was thinking you meant an art school like the Institute of Art franchise...(very bad choice)
The only "strictly art" schools that are worth attending are Ringling, Rhode Island and CalArts....
The route you are taking should take you where you want to go.
Best of luck!
take care
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Thanks so much!
And thanks for the watch as well!
Take care
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wow, amazing! what kind of materials do you use?
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