working with wax

Many people are not familiar with working with wax as a sculpting material. The only thing to keep in mind while working with wax is temperature management. Wax will soften and melt at high temperature and will stiffen and solidify when cooled. I get asked a lot on how to warm my waxes, especially the harder waxes, and make it pliable. Hopefully this video will answer some of those questions.



My warming station consist of a 15 watt, 220 volt mug warmer and a tin bowl with water in it. Also a rag for wiping excess water. The warm water will make the wax pliable and workable. Depending on the ambient temperature of the room you work in, that could mean from 30-90 seconds work time. I'll post more on my wax warmer set up in the next post (still need to record the voice over for that one).

Nagja the snake lady WIP

Started this sculpt to participate in The Clubhouse sculpting jam.
 I've started several sculpture like this in the past but haven't finished even one. So this is the one that WILL be finished, with paint and all that jazz. Took my inspiration from FFXI lamia. Will probably change the head design. Sculpted in MwaxZ E, the soft type. The torso is about 10 cm. Since it is sculpted in soft wax, I will need to transfer it to a harder wax soon, or perhaps straight to resin for detailing and finishing. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle :)
 More pictures after the break.
Also, stay tuned for more updates from my older projects. Toph included!

New mini compressor! and some rant about material and tools

Sorry, no sculpting related post this time.
Just want to share my new mini compressor kit, pictured above. I got it from perkakasku.com. It cost me around US$80 but in the long run it'll double my work efficiency. Here's why.

Watch the Sasano-Bori Carving Technique Live!

It might not be anime sculpting, but this video is interesting in so many ways. Creation of a sculpture, check. The person doing it have madz skillz, check. Big ass knife, check!




While we're on the subject of carving, check the video after the jump for something even more interesting!

homemade sculpting tool

This is the tool seen in the anime face making video. It's made from a used wooden chopstick that I shape and sanded to make it smooth. After sanding I coat the thing with some laquer to keep it shiny, smooth and easy to clean. Sometimes the best tools are the ones you craft yourself, because who's better to know what you need and want but yourself?

Here's a couple of detail shot of the tool.



Happy sculpting everyone!