Sculpture
A Quote From Dick Hathaway
Heard this quote from Dick Hathaway, anyone have another?
“I’d rather risk high indiscretion than boredom.”
Teaching Myself And Learning From Others
The title of this blog post is “Teaching myself and learning from others”. This is the entire process of how I learn things. I plug away at a project and search for answers. I got stuck on this recent project and this incredible person Kevin Salki from the Facebook Zbrush forum came to my aid, and he even created a video to help. It is so incredible when you find someone who is willing to go the extra effort to assist you in your learning process. I thought I might take this entire post and document this learning process on this specific subject.
To recap- I’m working in ZBrush trying to put together a presentation for a traditional sculpture project by working digitally. For example -how I did with the Mad Hatter tea party “Move one place on” pitch to a recent client.
“Move one place on” a life size sculpture for a park.
I noticed that when I was working on Mad Hatter sculpture that the Metcap material that I applied to the sculpture to make it look bronze did not interact with the lights, and therefore I had a hard time lighting it. For those of you new to ZBrush , a metcap material can be applied to your sculpture. These are made available in many places. For example check out these metcap materials. However, if I can’t light the sculpture, or put it in a scene, then using a metcap can pose a problem. I have posted this question in numerous places, and until Kevin came along, no one has helped me work through the problem. I’m sure this is not going to be as easy as pushing a few buttons, so I thought I would document how Kevin Salki and I work through it.
Here is my post on the forum
man is placed to show the massive size of this life size sculpture.
ZBrush question. I’m posting everywhere I hope someone can give me guidance, I’m on a deadline.
Any Zbrush users out there? Question- I am creating presentations for a larger than life-size bronze and I am using a metcap bronze that I found on the internet. I like the look, however, if I understand it, metcap materials are not affected by lighting in the final rendering? If this is the case, how would I get the bronze look that I need in my presentations without the metcap?
Being that I will try and take the digital sculpt presentation and put into a photograph of the area that the client has provided, lighting will be essential.
And, In the case of the tiger, I need to add some darker bronze stripes. Now I’m very puzzled. Another problem. How can I add these stripes to the metcap or other solution that I’m sure you guys know, but I can’t figure out?
I had entertained using GoZ but I was not sure if that would work with the metap and I have never used GoZ with anything. If that is a solution, is there a good tutorial on using GoZ and photoshop? I looked everywhere. However, that still does not solved the problem with lighting and a metcap.
I’m posting a picture but it is very much a work in progress. This is a regular part of my workflow as a traditional artist and I would be very thankful if you could help me figure this out.
I can hardly believe that Kevin Salki went to all of the effort to record a video to walk me through this process. So, in light of his educational efforts. I’ll document my process of doing this with him on this blog post. It may be a long one, nothing ever goes smoothly with this sort of thing, in fact, I might have to make it my next couple of posts.
STEP ONE- applying double shader- as I expected- I have to undo the stuff I have done before I can do what Kevin has asked me to do. As I apply a double shader (doubleshade1) in zbrush, this is what I come up with. Also, I started to paint the stripes in and hated it. Should have done it on a layer, but did not and so, I may have to backup to a previously saved version before I did this. Which means a ton more work, but hey that is all about learning. FYI- always save incremental versions of your work. Unfortunately, I have written over my incremental versions and will have to figure out how to undo all of this stuff. or erase the part of the gier where the strips have been put and start again. Now Kevin, do you have any ideas how to make my image look like yours when saying apply double shader?
Stay tuned as we figure out this problem
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Bridgette Mongeon-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.
On the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.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
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
In The Mouth Of A Tiger
Bridgette continues to work diligently on the digital model of the Grambling tiger. Using ZBrush she will sculpt the 3D Model for approval. This model will then be used for creating the armature enlargement. More on that later. Sculpting the inside of the mouth is just as important as sculpting the Tiger. Seeing the inside of the mouth is a bit difficult. With a google search of Tiger yawn, which is much different than a growl, Bridgette obtains reference for the mouth.
Luckily while working in ZBrush, parts of the mouth can be hidden from view. The artist can hide the lower jaw to sculpt on the roof.
Working On The Final Digital Presentation
Checking in with sculptor Bridgette Mongeon to see the progress on the Grambling Tiger digital presentation.
of the model to sculpt hard to reach places.
It is coming along much slower than I had hoped. I’m working diligently with the ZBrush program to come up with exactly what I want, however, it is important to note that this is a digital sculpture, the real sculpture will very much resemble the digital model but will also look different.
the tigers attitude. The different parts of the Tiger can be
hidden, as mentioned above. The eyes are turned off or hidden
in this view.
With sculpting in ZBrush I also have the opportunity to sculpt inside the mouth. I can actually hide portions of my model, for example the lower jaw, to sculpt the inside and roof of the mouth. I wish it were this easy in traditional clay.
the stone into the design.
I still have such a long way to go. I’m working out the muscle structure of the big cat, the pose and last but not least the stripes will be added. Then I will place the 3d model into the photographs that I received of the area. It does not look like I will have it ready for the schools Monday Meeting.
Here are some screenshots of the work in progress.
size and the height of this big cat. Bridgette works on the
design of the stone and ledge. She wants it to have the “feel”
or general shape of the state of Louisiana,
She also want to add ledges that people can sit on for
Photo opportunities.
INTERNS NEEDED!
Bridgette Mongeon is in the process of looking for interns for the Grambling tiger project. If you know of anyone who would like to be a part of this magnificent sculpture project please contact the artist immediately. If you want to know what an internship is this post is from Ms. Mongeon’s my personal blog and defines an internship. You will see pictures of some of the interns working on the Prairie View A & M Panther with the artist.
Grambling Alumni?
Are there any Grambling Alumni or Alumni family members out there wanting to put their passion for Grambling into a physical form? You will be a part of creating something for your university that will last a very, very long time.
Artist?
Any Houston area artists interested in gaining some experience in this process? If you are a high school students and would like a college letter of recommendation upon the completion of the project, please let the artist know in advance.
Dates and Times
The project will last about 6-8 weeks, or at least your part of the project will last that long. The dates are _____________ ( this will be listed as soon as the date from Grambling is confirmed. Expected dates the first of July through August.) If you can’t work the entire time of the project you are certainly welcome to come in for 2 weeks at a time. Hours are flexible but a commitment to a defined amount of hours is needed in advance. It is hard work, but great fun. You don’t have to be strong or a sculptor to work, however having a passion is nice. Ms. Mongeon can’t teach you passion, she can teach you everything else. The days will start early, to beat the heat, and most often there will be a second shift working late. Ms. Mongeon also works weekends. If you are only available on weekend or evenings that is fine. Just sign up and commit to whatever you can do.
What is expected?
The blog post talks about some of the things that an intern does. All interns are required to sign a release form. If you are a minor you will need your parents permission and they will need to sign a release form. Note interns work with: hot wax, hot clay, they will be climbing scaffolding and ladders, working with power tools and torches.
Location
The location of the project will be confirmed in the next week. It will most likely be in a warehouse in the center of Houston. We are trying to secure a facility that has a large enough ceiling to accommodate the sculpture, it will be about 12 or more feet high when completed, and the sculpting base adds height to that.The warehouse will most likely not have AC, but we will have plenty of fans going.
Paid or Unpaid?
Most of my internships are unpaid, however, Ms. Mongeon has been known to give generous “thank you’s” at the end of the project, if you know what I mean. The rewards for art students far out way any monetary bonus given at the end.
Our beginning agenda
- Move all necessary tools and equipment to rented warehouse space from artists Houston Studio.
- Prep rented warehouse space
- Put together foam pieces of CNC enlarged digital model.
- Put together armature for boulders. Sculpt boulder foam, cover with wax then cover with clay.
More to come.
Cats All Over My Desk
There are pictures of cats all over the artists desk. She has combed the internet, the zoo photographs and other areas to find inspiration for the Grambling Tiger! She sits in her office upstairs from her studio with a desk covered in cats. The artists personal deadline for having this 3D sculpted model of the Grambling Tiger is Monday the 18th of June. She is trying to stay ahead of the game. Still waiting for some information from Grambling State University.
ART STUDENTS For those art students reading this blog the artist wanted to share a bit about her process and materials.
I have recorded in a previous post that I use digital technology in the preparing of these traditional sculptures. Here are two articles that I wrote about this for Sculptural Review in 2007. Mongeon, Bridgette. “Exploring Digital Technologies as Applied to Traditional Sculpting.”
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 30. pdf
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 32. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “The American.” Don’t forget to see the previous post It really does explain some of the processes and how I started using digital technology. I have lots of posts on my personal blog about how I use digital processes for presentation, sculpting and armature building in the traditional process of sculpting, something I call tra-digi art. Here are some blog posts to refer to on my personal blog.
- Here is a post about creating this presentation of an astronaut
- And a post about the reference material for this presentation
- I’m finishing up another project now. The blog for the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center is listed to the left. here is a post from my personal blog about the digital process on this.
This is the sculpted piece. Compare it to the digital presentation below.
“Move one place on. ” Created with Daz, Poser and Zbrush.
- The Ultimate Frisbee sculpture is one of my favorite sculptures. I created this last year. It was commissioned by a father for his son’s graduation. There is much on my personal blog about the creation of it. If you search for Poser or zbrush on my personal blog you will obtain lots of information about this process. Here is a link to one of those posts.
- Here is another project I was working on this week. This is on spec and probably won’t come down the wire for a while. It is an interactive life-size sculpture of The Mad Hatter Tea Party. I love it.
Want to know more about my work with tra-digi art?
Check out the interview about my tra-digi work that was done by a graduate student in Austria. It has several parts- below are the links. An Austrian student interviews me on comparison of digital and traditional sculpture. Here are his questions and my answers.
- An Austrian student interviews me on comparison of digital and traditional sculpture.
- What makes sculpting in clay appealing to you? An Austrian student interview cont.
- Does your thought-process in digital sculpting programs differ from your thought-process in traditional sculpting? An Austrian student interview cont.
- In which medium (digital or traditional) do you feel more secure and why? An Austrian student interview…cont
- What do you miss in the digital sculpting technology? An Interview cont.
- Which medium enables you to work more spontaneously? An Interview cont.
- Faced with a choice: Which input device would you prefer – Tablet or haptic device? An Austrian student interview cont.
- Is it easy for you to identify and judge 3-dimensional shapes, distances and proportions on a computer screen? An interview cont.
- In which medium is it easier for you to concentrate? An interview cont.
Big Cat Rescue Is So Inspiring
I am very indebted to Big Cat Rescue in Florida.
Jeff Kremer, Director of Donor Appreciation, has spent a great deal of time with me talking about “big cats” I have to say their you tube channel has been very inspiring and don’t be surprised if you find quite a few of their videos on this blog. They give me feline creativity.
I do love to watch the videos of the casts playing. Often I’ll play the videos just to watch the movement of the big cats. Then I’ll work on my digital sculpture while watching. I’ll be posting many videos from Big Cat Rescue on this blog. The pride that comes in the Grambling State Tiger is more than just school pride. It is the symbol of a very majestic creature.
Because this blog is also about education I encourage you to watch the video below. Grambling State University will soon have a big cat on their campus. It is important to note that there are a lot of big cats that are in danger. The below is an important education for anyone looking at this tiger sculpture and thinking about big cats. Lets help to educate others on the big cats, they are important.
Technology In Art
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon is pretty much a geek when it comes to technology. She received her MFA from Goddard College with a focus on bridging the gap between new digital technology and the traditional art studio. This blog is created not only for the client, students and alumni to be able to watch the process, but also for educational purposes. Ms. Mongeon is a proponent of education and will be sharing some of that through the blog.
Below is a video of how Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has used Digital Technology in her sculpture studio.
As the above video described, often using programs like Poser helps the artist work out the designs and poses. The preliminary sculpture is still a long way from being approved; however, the committee is moving right along and the designs are helping everyone think through the process.
Ms. Mongeon often speaks about the topic of using digital technology in the sculpture studio. She will be speaking at 3DCAMP Houston in September. 3DCAMP is a local organization supporting education in all things 3D. 3DCAMP Houston is being sponsored by the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Art. Ms. Mongeon is knee-deep on the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston as well as a speaker. The up and coming press release for 3DCAMP 2012 states,
” The goal of 3DCAMP Houston 2012 is to encourage and educate individuals about the use of 3D in various disciplines; therefore 3DCAMP 2012 is returning with STEAM, an educational initiative that supports 3DCAMP Houston educational goal of incorporating and encouraging the blending and education of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). “
3d Art – Fabric to Frankenstein-
3d technology, science and art are combined to create some incredible and sometimes bizarre artwork. Sculptor, Bridgette Mongeon shares the work of different artists, and the vendors and universities who are making some interesting discoveries. Many artists are embracing the new technology, having fun and creating some incredible and sometimes gruesome artwork.
Bridging the Gap Between the Traditional and Digital Sculpture Studio
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon shares her workflow and resources of incorporating both digital and traditional technology in what is referred to as tra-digi art that she creates in her Houston, Texas studio. The new technology expands the creative process and expedites her work flow.
Presentation For a Park
I have been working on this pitch for a life-size bronze sculpture scene that individuals can interact with. This is a quick sketch of a possible design. Do you want to join the Mad Hatter at his tea party? The idea is that you could go to the park and sit at this bench. Each character is created to interact with a real person. My next part of the pitch is to see if I can pose children with this piece.
MY WORK FLOW
The project has been created using a variety of materials and software. Daz 3D models were very helpful, though often not enough. I had to sculpt quite a few things using ZBrush such as the rabbits clothes, his watch, the benches the table and the table clothes, along with the head of the Mad Hatter. Everything else is pretty much Daz 3D. My work flow is to bring Daz 3D characters into Poser and then once posed bring them into ZBrush. I can change the mesh to be able to sculpt on the figures and it gives me a way to expedite the presentation. As in the past, the actual sculptures don’t really look like the people in the scene once it is physically sculpted. For example, if I can convince my client I would like Alice to resemble my daughter when she was that age. Though it is not an exact replica of the planned life-size sculpture it sure helps my client to visualize my presentation.
Dipping The Pieces of Evelyn
I ran by the Betz Art Foundry today after receiving a message on my phone. “We are dipping.” Dipping is the next part in the bronze process. Before the foundry could dip they had to gate up each of the pieces. The waxes need pour cups to pour metal into and gates that will help the gasses escape. Each piece is coated and dipped many times covering both inside and out. This creates a ceramic shell. The ceramic shell is where the bronze will be poured, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Next post the burn out and pour of Evelyn Rubenstein.
