'Myths & Mysteries': Typhon & Echidna Pt. 5

17/5/2011

I've decided to focus on separate projects at different times and locations, to better ensure progress. Starting from the morning, when I am at college, I will work on the Typhon and Echidna piece and work on '21st Century Baphomet' in the late afternoon and evening when I return home. At the rate I have been working, I should have complete both pieces by the end of the week.

18/5/2011

I have successfully assembled the wire bodies for both figures of Typhon and Echidna. For the exhibtion of this piece, the wire segments are to be suspended close to the plaster bodies but as separate objects.

Jackets have also been chosen to hold the wire closer to their respective bodies.

'Myths & Mysteries': Baphomet Pt. 6

10/5/2011

The other day, a tutor offered me the suggestion to reference the sculpture 'Rock Drill' by Jacob Epstein for an essay I was required to write at the time of my FMP. From around this same time, I also found out about a particular kind of mask that seemed all too appropriate to reference (and possibly incorporate) for my Baphomet.

This is called a 'splatter mask'. This was a piece of equipment worn by tank crews during the First World War. They were specifically designed to cover up the face from any potential harm caused by
shrapnel that may have entered the tank when under fire on the battelfield. The thin slits over the eye-holes and chainmail hanging from below the nose are rather interesting features.

11/5/2011

I made my first attempt to produce Baphomet's wings. Having looked up various means people have created costume wings, I ended up thinking of using collapsable laundry baskets. As a material, they are cheap and also lightweight and strong. Although it initially took some time to plan out how the wings could be shaoed from this, once sorted construction seemed to run along smoothly.

I managed to make the framework appear much like the skeletal frame of a bat's wing.

12/5/2011

I had touched up with completed wing frame/s by adding some fur and feathers. Although I originally hoped to use only black feathers, I opened my mind to the use of other, darkly coloured feathers.

I'll admit, I could see the appeal in its upcoming form, which was further supported by the positive feedback I received from peers, tutors and family alike. However, I quickly developed second thoughts on the outcome...

13/5/2011

I reconsidered. Although the wings would work well in providing a theatrical appearance, even at the early stage (as shown above), I also felt the aesthetic was conflicting with the defining idea behind the piece. '21st Century Baphomet' is to be a symbol of neutrality and understanding torn apart by humanity's supposed preoccupation with conflict. The wings were, in my eyes, appearing 'too clean' and contact to appropriately convey this nature. So, I set out to construct a new pair of wings, this time made to hang down, as if of some fallen angel.

16/5/2011

For the past few days, I have been constructing the frame of the new wings. Personally, I am pleased with the results. They are more arched than the previous pair which remained outstretched and the material chosen to cover the frame should be easier to apply and manipulate to provide that more broken and tattered look that I hoped to develop.

Covering and setting up the harness should be done by the end of the week.

'Myths & Mysteries': Typhon & Echidna Pt. 4

6/5/2011

I went to look for possible materials for Typhon and Echidna's hair. Originally, I had considered novelty wings (not unlike the use of novelty bullets for the scales on Baphomet's belly). However, any example I was able to find at an affordable price looked too synthetic in texture and colour. It would be more preferrable for the two figures' hair to appear at least slightly natural and (for lack of a better word) earthly in their appearance.

10/5/2011

I experimented with the possible materials for the tails of Typhon and Echidna. In the end, I decided to use both: the tubed bandage for Echidna and stockings for Typhon (who unlike Echidna, is generally depicted posessing two tails, as if in place of legs). With Echidna's tail, more length feels required and the tubed bandage (with aid of elastic thread) is more flexible and should be able to serve well in consistantly holding its shape with the added length. I also hope that the colouring of the bandage will complment that of the rest of Echidna's appearance.

To make the bandage easier to shape, a twisted length of wire is placed inside, with wadding used to fill up around it.

'Myths & Mysteries': Baphomet Pt. 5

5/5/2011

I checked chosen material for the bullet belt (or 'scales') of  Baphomet and a certain property has come to my attention. The 'bullets' (which are actually from a costume shop) appear to have been made in a way they come apart very easily. I originally thought that it might be possible to make a harness in shape with the bullet belts but given how they hold together, this has been shown unlikely. However, I may have to keep this in mind, as being able to alter the number of bullets on a belt may still work for this project, if not future works.

'Myths & Mysteries': Baphomet Pt. 4

4/5/2011

Once again, progress has been made with '21st Century Baphomet'. I have begun to reconsider the design of the mask, while still incorporating the gas mask. The idea of attempting to add a skull-shape onto the mask itself seems redundant since the mask is already skull-like in some shape or form.

I have also made horns from electric cable and copper wire. The wire is to remain exposed, so the presense of unnatural elements remains evident as part of Baphomet's new anatomy.

I've also completed the 'feet' of Baphomet. Initially, I wasn't too sure how to hooves (made from tin plating) could have been secured onto the boots I had chosen. Fortuntaely, I was able to exploit the thickness of the soles and hammer nails through them to secure the tin. Light hammering on the hooves themselves worked to give texture.

For any possible future projects similar to this, I would to look into how I could possibly make more elevated feet, as shown in the drawing/s above.

However, there have been a few hurdles coming up with the construction of Baphomet. Firstly, how I can fit the horns onto the gas mask. Their weight may become a problem. I had been given a suggestion to make use of inner tube from truck tyres.

The secone, more overwhelming issue is the construction of the wings. My initial material of choice for the frame turned out not practical enough. The original wire shape had been welded as such and is too light to support any of the fur intended for the wings that the whole thing would just collapse on itself.

At this point, I think it would be best to consider a means of constructing a harness for the wings before actual development of the wings themselves.

'Myths & Mysteries': Typhon & Echidna Pt. 3

3/5/2011

By the end of my scupting session, I have completed the torsos for the two figures of Typhon and Echdina. Although the 'male' section of the sculpture doesn't have an apparent groin, it shouldn't matter enough to negatively affect the piece altogether.

I will also need to experiment with the chosen possible materials for the more serpetine segment/s of the sculpture. Depending on the outcomes, I will decide whether I could use either stockings or tube leg bandages. Each of these options do have their own benefits...

STOCKING:
- Shaped to cover most of the leg, up to the toes giving it that shape more like a tail.

BANDAGE:
- More elasticity.
- Opacity gives interesting visual texture, partly affected by internal contents.

'Myths & Mysteries': Cerberus Pt. 2

27/4/2011

I have received feedback from one of my tutors regarding the Cerberus. From this, I can make the piece equally effective without signifucantly altering the sculpture itself. Intending for the piece to reflect Dante's use of Cerberus as an embodiment of gluttony, I've decided to further develop from the sculpture's supposed resemblance to a roast chicken.

Cerberus is to then become as much of an embodiment of gluttony as it could ever be. Its indolence to excess has turned it into its own meal...