Students can sculpt using (1) oil or water clay on a wire armature, or (2) water clay without a wire armature that can later be fired. Tom will demo both approaches. Students are responsible to buy and bring their own supplies. Sculpture stands are at the studio for use as well as 2 microwaves for warming oil clay.
(1) Wire armature: you can work with either water or oil based clay on an 18 -30″ scale armature. Tom’s 18″ armature design consists of a 1/2″ diameter pipe, 10 to 12″ in length, attached with a flange to a 3/4″ thick wood base with dimensions of 12 x 12” to 18 x 18”, “feet” are attached to the bottom of the board so you can easily lift your piece. Tom uses 1/8” diameter aluminum wire as shown below, the armature is attached to the pipe with a hose clamp and tightly twisted onto the wire skeleton/armature. This 18″ scale skeleton can be used as a template to bend your armature wire (print and splice together). If you don’t want to make your own armature, you can purchase one online from the Compleat Sculptor, or purchase one from Paul (same price as the Compleat Sculptor sans shipping cost).
(2) Wire free armature (to be fired, 18-20″ scale figure): Tom’s armature design consists of a 1/2″ diameter pipe, 10 to 12″ in length, attached with a flange to a 3/4″ thick wood base with dimensions of 12 x 12” to 18 x 18”, “feet” are attached to the bottom of the board so you can easily lift your piece. Bring wood skewers to also support clay. If you don’t want to make your own wire free armature, you can purchase one from Paul for $65 (painted board w/ feet, flange, pipe). Students working without a wire armature can fire their finished piece at our neighbors pottery studio for a very small firing fee.
Water Clay (with or without a wire armature 18-20″ figure scale): bring 1 bag (20 lbs) of clay that does not have any sand or grog that you’re familiar with and like to use. Dick Blick Red water clay works fine and WED is a popular water clay at Dogtown. You can order any water clay available from Clay People at cost through Paul (paul@dogtownsculptors.org) and will be ready for you at the studio.
Oil Clay (with a wire armature): for 18″ scale, bring 2 bricks (4 lbs) of (plastilina/plasticine) of medium hardness (of the three types: soft, medium, firm) that you’re familiar with and like to use. For larger scales, bring more oil clay accordingly. Tom uses Le Beau Touché medium hardness, J-MAC Classic medium hardness is popular at Dogtown.
Tools: Bring and use tools that you like. Best place to buy tools near Dogtown is Douglas and Sturgess in Richmond (and San Francisco) or online from The Compleat Sculptor. Clay People in Richmond also has some limited tools. Some nice modeling tools are available from Reutter Tools or Tiranti. Some examples of common tools are shown below, Tom’s tools shown in first slide:
Miscellaneous: Bring a sketch/note book and pen or pencil to draw and take notes. If using water clay, bring a spray bottle (for water), old white cotton T shirt, thin plastic bag (e.g. dry cleaning bags), and one larger bag to cover and keep your piece moist and in working condition. Also bring a bar clamp or similar to secure your armature to the sculpture stand (we also have some extra at the studio).
Dogtown Sculptors 