Best way to sculpt large figure? Newbie question

[nowandever29]

Hey,

I am a new sculptor. I've done things in clay at small scales (1' or less). But now I need to sculpt something larger and I'm trying to figure out the best way. It's a figure 24" x 24" x 54", a bust with large arms and a hammer.

Right now I can see two ways of going about it, but I'm looking for advice from the pros (you):

1) I could create a frame with 10 gauge wire (about coat hanger width), with the wire welded in places to make a frame roughly the size and shape of the figure, then lay clay on top of that and sculpt the details into the clay.
or
2) I could use floral foam for the whole thing, then cover it in epoxy resin.

The finished figure needs to be strong enough for a mold of it to be cast in fiberglass, as I will then be making fiberglass duplicates of the piece.

The downsides I can see to the first option are the time it would take to cut & weld the wires together, and applying clay to the underside of the arms and chin and keeping it there.

The downside I can see to the second option are the massive amount of floral foam I would need.

Either way I figure the arms and hammer are going to need an armature for support.

Am I on the right track? How have YOU done large pieces like this before?

[Mostly Fantasy]

Hi. Have you considered a wood armature (bolt together) or metal pipe (thread together)? You could also cover it with insulating foam (available in different thicknesses) and sculpt in clay or epoxy directly on top of that, or cover it in saran wrap/foil, and coat w/fiberglas to strengthen, and sculpt on top of that. Either should give you a strong enough armature to survive both sculpting/molding.

[VulgarDragon]

I think it would be impractical to use epoxy to cover the entire sculpture because epoxy is not cheap. If you are not planning on keeping the original sculpture and make a mold from it, I suggest going with wet clay. It's inexpensive and easy to work with as long as you keep it moist.

[Mah ' Crub]

I agree with VD, and MF, I would make an armature that was strong like wood,{ my favorite,} and or metal with foil and or foam to flesh it out. then lay your clay over that and detail it. You sound like you are only going to make one pull of your mold anyway,{ or maybe not}. What are you going to pour your finals with? What will you make your mold out of, Plaster? Would help to know so we can try to figure out what would be best for you.

Mah ' Crub

[Kilh]

Considering the size and the time it'd take to build a strong armature your best bet would probably just doing the basic shape in styrofoam/polyurethane-foam, cover that with some cling film or tape and start building up the clay. Just in case it doesnt seem stable enough you can still just ram (or gently insert) some metal rods, etc. in for support. Even later on.

A wooden armature is probably a good idea as well, but remember that the thing will be damn heavy with all the needed clay.

[MikeMakesModels]

2) I could use floral foam for the whole thing, then cover it in epoxy resin.

That foam is Polyurethane based? Surely just seal it with polyester resin then?

Else, get some PU-foam (bit expensive, but it sounds like you're doing a proper-job, so hey)

Either way, it sounds like you're underestimating just how heavy this could be. Are you any good at welding? :)