Thomas
   MAKING THE STATUE

PAGE TWO: THE MAKING OF THOMAS, A PHOTO JOURNAL.


Three images side by side by side in a medium close up to show the making of the New Balance black tanktop with burgundy and gray stripes with completed black leather bicycle gloves
The little snap-on buttons on the gloves would be added later on. Tank top completed. Painted the New Balance logo. Since the gray fabric was fine mesh and see through, the waist needed to be painted gray. Tricks.
Three images side by side by side close up of the miniature statue shoes in size comparison with a Canadian penny
The shoes were made with black canvas and rubber for the soles. The socks are little leg-warmers... not actually over his foot because that would be insane, right? Yeah, I'm not quite there yet. Oh, wait! Magnets were embedded in the soles for the metal base I have planned.
Three close up images side by side by side of the miniature statue torso and head in stages of hair work with help of aluminum wire to style the hair
My technique for hair was adapted from Ryo Yoshida, a master ball-jointed doll maker. The removed scalp was hollowed out and slit from back to front five times for the long hair to be fed through.
Two images side by side in a medium close up of miniature statue posing with finished painted face along with facial battle damage
After some quality time on the hair styling with mousse and the help of my trusty aluminum wire sidekick, the results were passable. After a series of photographs, I knew this wasn't going to work out...
Two images side by side showing revision work on face and hairpiece with aluminum wire
Back to the drawing board as they say. I would be stuck on this stage for about a month because I just didn't feel it. This would be Round One and I was getting knocked around!
Two images side by side show medium to close up shots of more face revision work and hair styling with aluminum wire
I'm giving it my all and it just seemed that playful grin of Jackie's kept eluding me, as if it were The Mona Lisa's. If I had thick hair like Jackie, it would have been all torn out!
Two images side by side showing revision work on face and hairpiece with aluminum wire
Round Two: I'm hitting back hard and getting some momentum but something kept knocking me back down. There must have been at least 9 or 10 versions of his face made.
Two images side by side showing revision work on face and hairpiece and unpainted face
If I remember correctly, here I'm feeling pretty good about it. Once the front layer of hair went on, it felt like an uppercut to my nose. I was seeing stars. Now, I was angry. Beyond angry!

Page Three

STATUES


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










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