Mister LEE
   MAKING THE STATUE

PAGE ONE: THE MAKING OF MISTER LEE, A PHOTO JOURNAL.


Three close up images side by side by side of roughly sculpted miniature faces of Bruce Lee as Mister LEE in ENTER THE DRAGON
Using Padico's LaDoll series Premier stone clay to sculpt the head and facial expression. When dried (1-3 hours depending on density) can be carved, sanded and polished to fine porcelain quality.
Two close up images side by side of the miniature torso and head with aluminum wire protruding from the stone clay body and arms
I decided not to use styrofoam for the armature wire coating merely to save on time. Also, styrofoam is incredibly messy and annoying with the little pellets clinging to your skin and clothes, etc.
One image of the front torso and head with hair made in stone clay with aluminum wires for hands
Working only in stone clay is very liberating. I'm not thinking of hitting the styrofoam undercoating if I have to carve deep into the stone clay.
One image of the side torso and head with hair made in stone clay with aluminum wires for hands
Nor worry about the temporary hair made in modeling clay as I did with other statues and it losing its shape with frequent handling and removal.
One image of the back torso and head with hair made in stone clay with aluminum wires for hands
One aspect of using stone clay I can't emphasize more is I can grip tightly onto the piece while carving or sanding as if it were wood. No worrying about destroying details and leaving fingerprints.
Two images side by side in half body shot of torso with arms, hands and fingers made of aluminum wires
Add water to an area and the stone clay moistens so attaching raw clay or dried clay is ideal. Refining the pose. Making sure the back muscles are correct. Bruce's back is more intricate than his front.
Two images side by side in half body shot of torso with arms, hands and fingers all in stone clay
Why do I work in this scale? I find it a challenge to work small but making details and craftsmanship--big.
Two images side by side in full body shot of complete statue with legs, feet in stone clay
Pretty much locked down the pose. If it can stand on it's own well balanced, then it's ready to go to the next stage--clothing.
Two images side by side in full body shot of complete statue with legs, feet in stone clay holding a toothpick as a stand-in for a nunchaku
Still refining the back and overall pose. The uniqueness in this piece over most Bruce Lee statues ever made is that he is in motion shooting forth the nunchaku. The stand-in 'chuck was a toothpick.
Two images side by side of the miniature statue standing on its own with fabricated pants and stone clay coated nunchaku
The fine stretchy fabric used for the pants was found at a novelty shop in Japan--a lucha libre wrestling mask! I never know what I'll find that'll work at this scale and when I do, it's like shouting BINGO!

Page Two

STATUES


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









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