3D Sculpting

In my project I chose to create a clay model of a women’s open legs. In place of genitals, there is a large flower. The skin of the piece is comprised of patches of tan and brown to represent different skin tones. I want this piece to encourage an empowering message about sexuality and femininity and masculinity. It is often looked down upon to be open with sexuality and I want my piece to show that all people should not be ashamed of who they are. To create this work I used metal wire, air dry clay, acrylic paint and a fake flower. First I created the frame with the metal wire and then wrapped the wire in the clay, shaping legs and the bottom half of a torso. I then let the clay air dry, and painted over the entire thing with different shades of brown. I then hot glued the flower in between the legs of the sculpture. This piece is definitely more meaningful than my last. I chose to create this piece in the light of something I think about very often.

Another artist that has inspired me to want to start sculpting is Lynda Benglis. Specifically her exhibition titled Female Sensibility inspired me to go in the direction of sexuality.

http://www.cheimread.com/artists/lynda-benglis/exhibitions

The most important technique to my piece has to be the smoothing. Making sure the clay dries smoothly and not rigid was accomplished by wetting the pads of my fingers and smoothing over the surface. A new technique I learned has to be the ability to shave layers of the clay off. You have to remove and reapply to effectively shape the sculpture. I am most proud of the actual shape of the body. The legs and hips and everything else look very nice in my opinion. If I could change one thing about this project it would have to be the color of the skin. I wanted it to be a bright color like purple or green. I have learned to be more comfortable with clay.