Stage 1

Stage 2

"I am always interested in how an artist begins a work of art. After the fundamental mechanics are worked out (i.e. subject matter, materials, dimensions, et. al.), where does one begin? Within this "Process" section, I am interested in opening up the door to my own process of beginning a portrait head in clay. Although the first portrait ("Kate") is shown further along in the building process, the intention for the sculptures to follow is to reveal the working process from the very beginning on through to the end of a finished piece. But first, here is "Kate", roughed out and with a hint of some emotional expression to be developed and, quite literally, fleshed out as the process takes hold..."

Stage 1: "After cobbling together a wire armature, positioned to reflect the lean of the head, the initial build-up of clay begins. During this stage, I am careful to maintain a specificity of caliper measurements ( best to work out the foundation in the beginning, rather than to chase after wayward miscalculations.) In addition, I am aware of the overall emotional feeling I am responding to when I am working with the individual before me-- this sensitivity is critical in creating a believable and effective likeness."

Stage 2:   "At this stage of the process, I have further refined the structure of the head, as well as fixed some proportional mistakes that I had created during the initial rough-out of the piece. The neck was set too long, and, although I have kept a certain elongation for effect, an adjustment was in order. Also, the overall mood and personality of Kate is beginning to show through. This is the point where subtlety becomes a key ingredient in the final success of the portrait."