So I did the “Clean out” pour on Elk 1 (only named Elk 1 because it was the first one I did. I also call it “fallen elk”). Okay, so the clean out pour is done with garbage wax and it is done to find all problems with the molds and to pull out any little bits of garbage in the mold from the original clay sculpture that was originally in the mold.

So, here is the “wax pouring area” with the mold.

Here is the first look that I have at the result:

This darned uploader says some of my images are too large and some are acceptable. Anyway, you can see all the garbage in the wax, but also, the detail is great and the wax came out nearly perfect, so I won’t have to spend days “re-sculpting.” The antlers are separate, but I will attach them in the wax. Also, I will add some wax branches and such beneath it to act as a “stand for the other Elk who is standing over this one in a kind of victor/vanquished pose. So I will work on the mold a little more, to get it perfect before pouring the wax that will go to the foundry.

And thanks La, but I am blushing because I think I am maybe moderately good.

Thanks Katie.

rugman, and oldglory, I have never taken one class in sculpture, let alone molding or casting. I was around activities that allowed me to take part in, and witness these things, and I was hired as a sculptor for about 7 years where I learned massive art, but when it came down to learning how to make small animals (and I suppose I will be making small people too), I learned this all by myself (from about 2011 to now), and so I consider myself self-taught.

I have taken some art classes, mainly drawing, printmaking, art history, design, and photography. I wanted to major in art when I got my bachelors, but most of my time was spent on “core curriculum” and I got enough hours to minor in studio art or art history. I took the latter because it sounded more brainy. Then suddenly (and I would say “stupidly) I switched majors to “Technical Writing.”

If you can draw, you can sculpt. It is just 3-d drawing (with other tools and in another material). Each sculpture I do and each new material takes a learning curve.

So what I am saying is you can be self-taught and be a sculptor too. Doing it is only a matter of study and action.

Thanks also Kreative K
By the way, the reason I hang out in Western art, and sometimes Animal art, and not “Sculpture” is because I think that genres, not methods should be put together. I really should be more present in animal art. I will start to do some African animals this year because I like them.