Self-Portrait Sculpture Process

Step 1: Starting point/ Foundation

Step 1: Step 1 was probably the most confusing of the steps because I'm still trying to get in the swing of sculpting with the clay. I was nervous that it wasn't going to perfect the first try. I remember I was adding more than needed to on some of my facial features, like my nose and eyes. My nose was huge! Soon, as time went on, I started to get my groove of things and started really getting into detail in step 2.

Step 2: Starting of detail

Step 2: Step 2 was probably the most strategic step out of all of them. During this step I really had to be patient with the clay, because I was doing my braids. I had to make it look like braids from all angles with the texture on top, as well as the texture on my scalp. At first, it looked really weird, but the more braids I continued to put on the better it looked. Overall, I think it turned out very well.

Step 3: Hair

Step 3: Now, step 3 personally was I think my downfall step in this process. I got sick for a week, which really took critical time away from me working on my sculptor. Plus, with me not being able to nurture my clay with water, to make sure it doesn't get dry, that really set me back as well. When I was able to return, I missed a lot of instruction, so I didn't know how to do facial features like my eyes. ears, nose, or mouth. The only part I felt comfortable with finishing was my hair. So, I finished my braided high ponytail, and I think it turned out pretty good. Plus, the hair is my favorite part.

Step 4: Finishing Details

Step 4: Step 4 was the climax of this crazy adventure. Due to loss time from me being sick, I took my sculpture home to work on it during the winter break. During that time, I was able to really work on my sculptor adding fine details and all. I was able to add my eyes, redo my nose, and have my lips blowing a bubble! Overall, I think it turned out really nice, cute, and creative.

Step 5: Realistic Sculptor look

Step 5: After my sculptor survived the kiln; to make it look like more of a realistic sculptor we used some gold spray paint as the base. Then, we used some dark brown paint over top. Finally, we used a little rub and buff to give it that authentic sculptor looks. Overall, I would say i actually looks realistic. I look like a trophy!

Step 6: Professional Capture

Step 6: Once we were officially done with the rub and buff, I took some pink paint and painted my gumball! Finally, we took some professional looking photos of my art! I loved the way the pictures turned out. The lighting and overall aesthetic is really nice. Very professional, I love it!