The tree was a breakthrough for me. I had been uncertain up to now exactly what the setting would be. Returning to the bench and tree scenes of the tile work will give a sense of place. I am always saying that art has to reflect the time and place of its creation.
There may be other trees, selected elements and certainly a bench for the characters to interact with. Square bases as here for four of the sections and possibly one rectangular to accommodate the bench. Each section will work as part of the whole but will also be a stand alone.
Building the bases before the figures seems a more natural process than where I started.
This tree model weighs about 15 KG. Looking at a substantial amount of wax by the time the five models are done. If I want to use less wax, I can make the moulds for the tree first and then recycle it into the next base. Problem is then my space will fill up with moulds before I am ready to use them. Looking for a couple more outdoor storage containers to make room for the many moulds that will be produced in the coming months. It struck me how overwhelmed with moulds my space will become once there are enough for five bases and figures. Storage is going to be a big issue.
For some reason I thought my kiln was wider than it actually is. Had to do some serious branch trimming. Was not feeling overly happy about the trim at the end of the day but it had to be done. Pieces have to be fired on site.
Large top heavy solid wax models like this can shift and tilt overnight. Twice it was levelled only to be angled the next morning. Studio is maybe too warm for the wax. I will need to be sure the model is well balanced when it is time for mould making. Most of the weight is in the branches. I will remove a wedge from the trunk, rebalance and then freeze it before the mould is made.
The shifting trunk is a good lesson because the porcelain is subject to the similar problems when it is fired to the high temperature. Hollow porcelain branches should be less prone to slumping than the solid wax ones.
The tree model changed over the week. First the branches spread, then they were cut back. Then extended in tighter formation. Still unsatisfied with one and planning to change its direction. Trunk has become much more robust to bring some extra support to the structure. Had smoothed out wax to polished surface in previous layers but am now responding better to surface textured with my finger tips. A better representation of bark. Want to preserve this surface in the mould. Getting close to where it needs to be.
Tree furry is starting to take form in the branches. He is not a fursuit character. He wears a fluffy tail as part of his street clothing. He needs to be dressed and detailed as he sits in the branches. These things take as long as they take. So another week at the very least.
