Alex Wagner
   MAKING THE STATUE

PAGE ONE: THE MAKING OF ALEX WAGNER, A PHOTO JOURNAL.


Two close up images side by side of Marten Go's fingers holding the roughly sculpted miniature face of Alex Wagner with toothpick shaving as a cigar in his mouth
I used Padico's LaDoll series Premier stone clay to sculpt Alex. This clay is able to hold fine detailing once air dried and is light weight and very strong.
Two close up images side by side of Marten GO's fingers holding the miniature refined sculpted head of Alex Wagner with facial details and piece of metal wire as cigar in its mouth
With the rough likeness of Alex done, I can begin refining and smoothing with water and sandpaper(I switched the toothpick shaving for a piece of metal wire as the temporary cigar).
Two Medium close up images side by side of Marten Go's fingers holding the miniature torso without hands with well defined head with cigar in mouth
The body's armature was constructed in styrofoam and aluminum wire for the purpose to keep the statue light. More sculpting and refining on the face while I build the limbs.
Two images side by side the left image is a close up of miniature sculpted head with cigar and sculpted hair with the right image a medium close up of the full miniature statue without feet
I used modeling clay for the hair as a stand-in to check for balancing and proportion. The legs are filled out while continuing to refine and smooth the body for the clothing.
Two images side by side in a medium close up of the full standing miniature statue with sculpted cowboots and a gun behind its back
The boots are sculpted along with the removable hands. One equipped with a 9mm Beretta. The step from here to the next image required many revisions because the fabric can make him look too bulky or unnatural.
Two images side by side in a medium close up of the 7 inch statue standing fully clothed in gray short turtle neck sweater and black tight jeans
Unfortunately I didn't remember to take photos until the waistline was getting glued down. I most likely was in 'the zone'. I use fabric glue for all the clothing instead of sewing because the needle is just too thick at this scale.
Two images side by side in a close up to show the detailing of the front and back of jeans and beltline strapped with a leather belt and buckle
Added the front and back pockets and beltline with button. Wasn't crazy enough to make the zipper though... added the loops and snaked in an actual working leather belt with buckle.
Two images side by side in a close up to show the painted black cowboy boots with white unpainted soles and first sleeve of brown leather jacket
Painted the boots and built the soles with clay. Was initially considering to use actual wood. Found pleather that looked close enough to Alex's bomber jacket, will probably use fabric paints to match the color later.

Page Two

STATUES


Don't hesitate to email me at martengo or via if you have any questions regarding my Alex Wagner PD statue or work process. Especially if you are following these steps as a guide to making your own statue.










Positive SSL