How do you make compression and weight on a clay sculpture

Maximilian Schmid

I didn't get this creating weight and compression on wrinkles and other parts of the sculpture exactly.How does this work exactly? You sculpt more on the top side down the wrinkle not inverse for the weight? I would sculpt with monster clay.

Chris Ellerby

It's about replicating the effects of gravity on the skin, so you have to imagine how thin forms are pulled downward and start to sag.  The top edges will be tighter, as the form is pulled down causing them to stretch, and the bottom edges will be more rounded.  That said, the structure of wrinkles can change based on the type of wrinkle and the type of skin.  I highly suggest looking at references when sculpting forms like this.

One great reference book one of our instructors recommended (sadly I forget who) is "Close Up" by the photographer Martin Schoeller.  It has amazing close up photos of human faces from a wide variety of cultures, ages, lifestyles, etc.  Beautiful reference material.

/Chris

Maximilian Schmid

Cool thank you I will look up for it:9

Maximilian Schmid

But if I understood it correctly, you take more from the upper edge (where the weight is on) than from the down side of the wrinkle. Is this the way you sculpt it?

Chris Ellerby

Correct, you remove more clay from the upper edge, which blends in more, and the bottom edge should appear heavier.  But that also depends on the type of wrinkle/skin you are sculpting.

/Chris

Maximilian Schmid

Cool thank you! I am very happy that Tim martins monster was about something what I also want to create so I’m  just Gonna watch some chapters again. But now I have the idea🤗