What goes on top of the metal and under the clay? Lots of foam insulation, glued together with "Great Stuff" and held together with duct tape, until it dries. I've enjoyed making a big mess the last couple of days, but I can't wait to take off the duct tape and start adding the clay.
Did you ever wonder what's inside a life sized clay sculpture? For the next few days I'll be showing you what happens before the clay goes onto Hayden's monument. This is Dan Hildreth, another Utah sculptor, who is welding the metal armature for me (I'm not much of a welder). The armature is constructed of 3/4" square metal tubing. It has to be very strong to keep from collapsing under the weight of the heavy clay.
Here you can see the small maquette to the right of Dan. He has enlarged the armature to equal Hayden's high of 52". This process requires lots of math, even artists need to know their geometry.
