Small human figures for photography work

[bigblackbox]

Hi. I'm interested in setting up some tabletop "scenes" with human figures to photograph and manipulate. I'm thinking something pretty basic for the sculpture, but I don't really know what I'm doing. I'm thinking pipe cleaners could work to an extent, or maybe jewelry wire. Is there a good clay to use that wouldn't require firing?

The scuptured figures themselves will be abstract in the finished piece, so I don't need lots of details in the sculpture. Basically looking for a relatively easy way to make some figures and pose them.

Thanks.

[acanthus]

Oil based clay over 12 guage wire armatures.

[bigblackbox]

Thanks. Are the armatures the same type of thing people use for beading/jewelry making? Any brands of the oil-based clay you'd recommend? How is it used? (or if you know of a tutorial or book about this, please let me know). Thanks.

[dreamz]

Gauge the armature for the size of the figure, beading/floral wire will work for smaller 1-2" figures perhaps a bit larger. Copper electrical wire works for larger objects, stripping it from the caseing can be tedious, but each length yeilds 2 plastic coated and one bare wire. Scraps upto 5' can be found at most construction sites. A local electrician saves cut offs of the main lead in house wire, this is about 2" in diameter, stripped of its sheath theres 5-6. 1/2" plastic coated "wires" contaning 50? thick aluminum wires so a 10' "scrap" gives me lots of material and possibilities.

[acanthus]

I should think 12 Gage wire would suffice for what you are doing. Bend it into the forms you want and cover with clay. The wire you use must be heavy enough to hold it's shape and also be moveable. If you were to use a piece of peg board for the table top you could position your figures where ever you wanted them by inserting the feet into the holes. Other wise drill holes where the figures go. For what you are doing, most any clay would work. If you were going to cast the pieces then use a non-sulfur clay. If you will want to reuse the clay for future casting get non-sulfur clay.

www.shiflettbrothers.com might have some tutorials on armatures and clay as well as a search of this site. Check out the "smellybugs" tutorial in ConceptArt.org/forums. Or just do a google on armatures and clay.

[bigblackbox]

thanks.