The
OK, I’m a
little behind on this project – I got sidetracked with other things this week.
Anyway by now you should have a feel for what I’m doing with this piece. Our
first two figures are (almost) complete; he’s got some clothes, a haircut,
headphones and tattoos while she has also got dressed and styled with jewellery
and a pair of shades; their ‘Hi-5’ replaces the awkward arm embrace. I wouldn’t
say I was entirely happy with them just yet, there are still some improvements/repairs
to be made.
The next
change concerned the serpent. If you go back to the theorists who’ve studied
the original, they suggest it was included to represent temptation; no place
for a serpent in 2014, so we’ve skinned it and made a snakeskin handbag,
considered by some nowadays as an extravagance……….you’re laughing, that’s good!
The next
issue is the Eros/Cupid figure who is holding a bow (a symbol of love) and a
torch to guide the way. It featured on the original to help convey the story of
Peleus entering the world of the gods to marry Thetis but I’m not sure how
exactly to deal with it now - I’m open to suggestions. I’m thinking he should
be included but polished almost clear to make him almost invisible and
ghost-like. I could engrave him using the stipple technique making him more of
a shadow rather than solid figure. Third option is to omit him altogether as
the 3 figures are already posed is such a way to tell this ‘love-triangle’
story.
The third
figure on this side is considered to be Poseidon, who was to marry Thetis (the
girl). He too has been updated and now wears a suit and stands with one hand in
his pocket, the other will be holding a mobile phone.
A note on
technique
It’s
important to finish the figures so there are no wheel marks left; the viewer
should be left wondering how the piece was done. You need to work the piece to
eliminate as much evidence as possible by smoothening out every cut. The wheel
speed is critical, too fast and you’ll carve deeper, too slow and it won’t
grind. I’m using a 280 powder, a good all round grit size but switch to a 320
on some parts. It cuts slower but the softer finish works well on details like
fingers – be warned though, you have to be incredible accurate.
The next
update will be next Friday when I’d hope to have made up some ground and have a
lot of work done on the other side. Expect the same ‘updating’ with them –
clothes, haircuts, technology and styling. The following week we’ll deal with
the handles, the 2 heads and the base.
Today’s Tip - Mix the oil and power
carefully – too wet and you’ll slip; too dry and it won’t cut.
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