If you have any questions about materials, contact paul@dogtownsculptors.org or JJ at atelierjun@comcast.net.
Foot Base: a 3/4 inch thick plywood base board is all that is needed for the foot sculpture, at least 10 x 14″ is suggested.
Arm Armature: The “arm” armature is comprised of (1) a 3/4 inch thick, 14 x 14 inch plywood base board, (2) two strips of 3/4 inch plywood “feet” can be added to the bottom of the board (so you can easily pick up and move your piece to and from the storage shelf), (3) 1/2 inch diameter metal piping, connectors, elbow, “T” fitting, and flange, and (4) at the first class under JJ’s direction, rope or 1/4 inch aluminum armature wire will be provided to students (at cost) and added to the armature. If you want to keep and fire your piece, use rope rather than armature wire. The advantage of armature wire is your piece is more stable, the disadvantage is you can’t fire the piece. Most of the armature supplies can be purchased at Home Depot or similar hardware stores, the aluminum armature wire can be purchased at Douglas and Sturgess or at the first class from Paul. You can also order an “arm” armature from Paul for ~$65 (paul@dogtownsculpors.org). Details of the armature:
Clay: Bring 2 bags of water clay that you are familiar with and like to use. For ease of use, Soldate 60 is recommended for beginners. If you plan to fire your piece, you might try a terracotta clay such as Red Sculpture (EM-234) or 8-11 RED 35 (IMCO). Best place to buy clay is Clay People in Richmond. Avoid buying water clay at chain art stores (e.g. Blick) that is often old, dry, and hard (unusable). You can also order any water clay available from Clay People at cost through Paul (paul@dogtownsculptors.org).
Miscellaneous: Bring a spray bottle (for water), thin plastic bags (e.g. dry cleaning bags), and one large thick garbage bag to cover and keep your piece moist and in working condition. Also bring a 6 inch bar clamp or similar to secure your armature to the sculpture stand.
Tools: The best sculpture tools are your hands and fingers. Bring and use tools that you like. If you are new to sculpture, buy just a few tools to try, such as large rake tools, a wood knife tool for drawing and cutting, and various wood modeling tools to press and rake the clay. JJ will also go over options for tools at the first class. Best place to buy tools is Douglas and Sturgess in Richmond (and SF) or online from SculptureHouse. Clay People also has some tools. Experienced students may like some wood modeling tools from Tiranti. Examples of tools:
Dogtown Sculptors 