Posts by Bridgette
Thinking About Big Cats
As I work on the designs of the college mascot for Prairie View A&M University, I am thinking about big cats.
Unveiling For a New Sculpture by Bridgette Mongeon- Can’t Say Who
will be unveiled next week. Stay tuned for who this i.
This is a new sculpture that I will deliver from the foundry on Monday and is going to be unveiled next week. You will have to wait until then to see who it is of.
Ultimate Frisbee is Coming Along
Digital presentations are good for getting the message of a design to some clients, as was the case with the Ultimate Frisbee Player presentation. But, in reality there is much work to be done in the clay. More reference photographs were needed before I could proceed with the sculpture. So I hired a young man who was about the size of model to jump up and down in my studio yard, while I video taped him. Yes, video taped him, because I could not click the shutter quick enough to get the photographic reference that I needed on the folds.
Once the piece was complete it is approved by the client. Many clients don’t realize that most sculptures will be cut into pieces for the mold process. The artist goes to great extent to make things perfect for the client, but must redo the work once again when the sculpture is cut apart.
Piece to see about making a mold.
Together the client and I go over the different figures and I learn that securing the figures as we were intending could be construed as a foul. So, we change the design a bit.
Miguel comes to the studio from the foundry and gives me some pointers on the mold. It is a tiny piece and a mold will not be difficult but there are some things I am questioning and I enjoyed his opinion.
Then it was off to cutting apart the piece and making the molds. Which I did outside in the heat, because we are temporarily using my studio as a nursery for 3 feral cats who have given birth and dropped off their kittens on the porch. Everything that is lost ends up at my house/studio. The kittens are enjoying the studio and arrangements are being made to help them, but so I didn’t kill little kitty brain cells, I opted for creating molds outside on the studio porch. Sure hope the kittens are gone before the Prairie View A & M big cat is in there.
Soon we will see the waxes of the Ultimate frisbee player.
One Last Look at The Prairie View A&M Poses
My client, Prairie View A & M had some revisions and wanted an adjustment to poses. These were sent to them today. We are behind about 3 weeks on our deadline. Once we have these approvals I’ll be working closely with my vendors. Synappsys Digital Services is going to enlarge and mill this out for me in foam creating a large foam armature. I am trying to secure an apprentice to assist me for the next three weeks of very long days. I actually only have two weeks to sculpt this to get back on schedule. I am not sure that is physically possible, but if I score and secure the intern/apprentice I hope to get, I think I will be fine. Tired but fine!
These are digital sketches. Created using a 3d model found in Content Paradise and using Carrara to pose it, Mudbox and Zbrush to work on the some of the detail. It is impossible to get exactly what we want to see in a large sculpture.
There are several reasons. Just as it would be difficult creating a small maquette in clay that would be enlarged to a big cat. A sculptor sculpts to the eye and how it is viewed. The eye sees things differently large than it does small, and some things just won’t translate. That is why my client will be asked to approve the final sculpted piece before it goes to bronze.
To see these images larger, just click on each. I can’t wait to get the armature back and work on this.
Searching For a Final Pose
I should know which sculpture Prairie View A&M will pick. For those looking for still images instead of the images in the video showing all sides of the sculpture, here are stills of the 5 poses.
As I told my client- Please remember these are just sketches. Most artists do pencil sketches. I like these 3d models as we can get a feel for what a pose looks like from all sides. Once we pick a pose I can then do the detail on the sculpture, add muscle and more panther structure, and will send that to my client. When I do, I will be sure to send them close up of the face and expression as well as the figure. Even more detail will come with the large sculpture created in clay.
Announcing- Panther Plaza – Prairie View A & M University; Prairie View, Texas
I have been awarded a new sculpture commission. I will be creating a 1 1/2 size bronze Panther for Prairie View A & M University in Prairie View, Texas. A typical panther is 7 feet from nose to tail, so my sculpture will be 10 1/2 feet, depending on the design of the tail of course.
This project has a very tight deadline, and is due to be installed November 11th. 5 months to create designs, get approvals, create final maquette and then sculpt a large panther, as well as put it through the foundry process is a very, very tight deadline. With our additional digital tools at B. Mongeon Sculpture Design Studios, and my incredible business partner, Mike de la Flor, we will be able to make the deadline.
I have been given permission by Prairie View A & M to document my process, which I will do on my blog. We are also going to make an internet presence for the project so that students can watch the development of it. This will most likely be on Facebook. The panther is for the new student life building. I am so proud to be a part of this project.
NOTE:
- These are only sketches
- The patination or color of the panther will be different on the bronze sculpture
- I do not know the size or design of the base .It is being provided and the size and design will play an important part in the design process.
- I’m also waiting to hear on how the sculpture is viewed.
I love the 3d models, we can easily make changes to show clients and seeing a sculpture from all sides is so much better than having a few hand drawn sketches. Once an approval is obtained on a pose and direction, I will be sculpting this digitally in Mudbox or Zbrush for final approval.
More details on process in future posts.
Ah, I would love to know what pose you like. Feel free to weigh in on your opinions.
_________________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Podcasts Update We Have Reached 100 Podcasts!
THREE PODCAST TOPICS?
Then there are my other podcasts-Creative Christian and Inspirations Generations. I have committed to doing three of these every month and I am happy to say our next podcast will be podcast number 100. Yes, we have recorded 100 podcasts!
HOW TO FIND THEM?
For those of you who are interested you can listen to the Inspiration Generations and Creative Christian podcasts in several areas.
In itunes, or through the blog. You an also listen from the Facebook Fans Page. I would like to encourage everyone to go to facebook and “like” our Facebook Fans Page.
The blog is associated with my God’s Word Collectible sculpture series, in fact, they have been the sponsor of the podcast over the last few years. The blog is nice because it lets you see pictures of those we are interviewing, gives further information on the interviews, links and much more.
WHO HAVE YOU INTERVIEWED?
We have interviewed so many people over the last 100 podcasts including Olympic Gold medal winner Scott Hamilton, Author of the Love Languages Books Dr. Chapman, And even Ruth Graham, Billy Graham’s daughter. We have recorded outside of the United States to England with singer-songwriter Malcom Guite, Brother David from Taize, France and Budapest about the Resurrection Sunday Dance.
If you would like to see a list of all of our podcasts I have kept one going and it can be found on this portion of the God’s Word website. You can click on the links to get to the podcasts from there.
POST THE PODCASTS ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Oh, and I am making the podcasts available for anyone who would like to post them on their site. There is a link on each blog post that allows you to imbed the podcast on your own blog or website. If you should not see a link, let me know and I’ll get you one. When someone will click on the link on your website it brings up another browser with the podcast, in other words, by adding these podcast links to your blog posts and website your site now become a multi media website. How cool is that?
The subjects that I cover in the podcast usually tend to go along with what others ask of me or my own personal journey in life. My mother and daughter began this podcast with me. Our stories are on the host bio page. My daughter still joins me from time to time. Mother’s invovlement is limited to her journals and our memories as she passed away, but was so excited about this last ministry in her life, it lives on and so do her words.
When mother died she had some incredible experiences with visits from deceased loved ones. This corresponded with music that we were playing at the time. I spoke to the group Strand of Pearls in an interview and told them thank you for this profound experience. After mother’s death we talked a lot about mother loss. Then we added the Creative Christian podcast. I wanted to talk to other creative people, find out about their journey. Recently, as I have just finished my first young adult novel, I have been talking with authors, agents, and others, especially as it pertains to controversial topics, as my book has that twist to it.
Also, recently my husband entered the podcast with our very personal discussions of an Athiest husband and a Christian wife. We have recorded two podcasts about that subject and have a few more planned.
I would like to encourage you to take a listen to the podcasts, subscribe to the blog or to the podcasts in itunes, or even post and share the podcasts on your own websites, blogs or Facebook pages. And please, if they have touched you in any way, let us know.
Our last few podcasts are as follows.
INSPIRATIONS_0099 Creative Christians- Evolution and Christianity
Host Bridgette Mongeon talks to author Robin Brande about Christians who believe in evolution. Robin is the author of the young adult book Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature.
Inspirations_0098 Creative Christians- Interview with Sara Zarr
Host Bridgette Mongeon talks to author Sara Zarr about novels, crisis of faith, family and what Christian teens are looking for in publishing.
Inspirations_0097 Creative Christians- Novel Metamorphosis
Host Bridgette Mongeon interviews author Darcy Pattison about her workshops and her book, Novel Metamorphosis. Together they explore the uncommon ways to revise a novel and how to do it in a workshop or with a small group.
Inspirations_0096 Creative Christians- Questions about publishing for Christian authors
Host Bridgette Mongeon talks with literary agent Chip MacGregor about the changes in publishing for Christian authors and the guidelines of publishing. Can Christian Authors cross over from Christian publishing to secular? How is secular publishing changing to accommodate a Christian message?
Inspirations_0095 Dance Your Shoes Off
November of 2010 we podcasted with Budapest about their Resurrection Sunday Dance.They spoke about their viral video and how they hoped to encourage people from all over the world dance as a flash mob. Steven Seelig of Second Baptist Church- Houston was influenced by this and decided to create a flash mob dance. 2000 members of Second Baptist Church-Houston danced in the park, in fact they danced their shoes off. The shoes were collected and distributed to those in need.
Crocheting Brings Awareness About the Health of Our Oceans
HYPERBOLIC
Reefs, Rubbish, and Reason
I was introduced to this work a couple years back and was absolutely so intrigued.
Margaret Wertheim, HYPERBOLIC co-curator, science writer and author is also the co-director of IFF, The Institute For Figuring. The Institute For Figurings is an organization dedicated to the poetic and aesthetic dimensions of science, mathematics and the technical arts. Wertheim describes the beautiful math in coral in this TED video She explains how this geometry can be demonstrated through knitting and crocheting. Don’t you love it when art helps us to understand science!
Wertheim went on to display works and create a world wide involvement with knitters around the world who are knitting a coral reef to bring awareness to ocean health. What is our social responsibility?
I do hope that IFF and Margaret Wertheim will one day let us interview her for the Art and Technology podcast. I’m looking forward to exploring the future possibilities and encouraging others in their exploration and love of our great earth.
If you are interested in viewing the Hyperbolic reef for yourself and you happen to be in Pasadena, CA check out the exhibit HYPERBOLIC Reefs, Rubbish, and Reason June 7 — August 21, 2011 For more information here is a link to The Williamson Art Gallery, click on the word “now” in the left hand column. Now, If I could just get the show to come to my neck of the woods. We in Houston and the Gulf Coast have a special desire to make others aware of the social responsibilities for the health of our waters!
____________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
So Excited- FREE 3D Sculpting With Pixologic? Try Sculptris
The new version of Sculptris is currently available as a free download at: www.pixologic.com/sculptris I can hardly wait to download it and give it a try. Thanks Pixologic for offering this free and for making it in both platforms (Mac and PC). We Mac users appreciate your diligence.
So, 3d sculptors weigh in. I can’t wait to see what you create and hear what you have to say. Download it, try it out, and send me an email with your thoughts and comparisons.
Here is what Pixologic says in their press release.
Sculptris is an elegant and simple 3D modeling solution, offering artists a platform to harness their imagination and create 3D sculpts in a way that is unique to the digital world.
Tomas Pettersson, the bright young programmer and brainchild behind Sculptris commented: “I trust that, with this version, Sculptris will be more accessible for all people on both PC’s and Mac’s. Everyone should be able to sculpt!”
Sculptris introduces a dynamic tessellation system, giving its user the capability to sculpt or paint freely on any part of the surface without having to worry about underlining geometry. With Sculptris, triangles are automatically added as needed, and only to the areas where a stroke has been applied to the surface.
Users can do just about anything that’s possible with real clay. For example, they can pull, twist and pinch the surface, easily adding volume as needed without the rigorous attention to underlying structure that is typically associated with 3D modeling programs.
Pixologic envisions Sculptris as an entry level ‘eye opener’ for a new generation of artists wishing to explore 3D sculpting and digital creation. Fun to use, it’s also a truly effective tool that can be embraced by hobbyists and professional artists, alike.
For those wishing to explore further, Sculptris is seen as a perfect ground level upon which to build one’s skills while advancing to the substantial ‘world of ZBrush’.
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Glad You Could Join Us. Some Pictures From Class
Love the feeling of having students fall in love with the clay.
Though my schedule over the last years has not permitted me to have classes in the studio I have decided to squeeze some in. This is a portrait sculpture class, two all day Saturday classes. A bit intense, but also incredibly rewarding.
It is interesting to see so many working people in my own studio. It is a private place only becoming lively during one of our parties, where everyone seems to congregate. The best part about doing classes is meeting so may incredible artistic people. There are some beginners in clay and others who are not. It is a challenge as a teacher but I want everyone to feel comfortable with their creative place. Some are very realistic and others become stylized. Those are the hardest students. I can help them make their work more realistic, but I hesitate in touching it. I like their style.
The subject for this class is a newborn baby. It offers some challenges, but the best part about it is that it is inspiring for the teacher! I must say it feels strange to be working on a portrait without a client in mind. Though I have told the parents that I will give them either the original or a copy of their wonderful inspiration. So in some ways they are my client.
The class starts early on a Saturday with students arriving at 9:00 a.m.. We take a short break for lunch, no one wants to pull away from the sculpture, but I like the sharing time and it is good to walk away from a sculpture from time to time. we all hang out on the porch, which does not feel so bad in the heat with the pond nearby and the shade of my trees.
Class is two long Saturdays, but very fulfilling. If you missed signing up for this class, don’t worry. I’m doing another in August- two Saturdays beginning August 6th. I wish I could find more time to do this on a regular basis.
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast