Beautiful! You have captured the essence of the tortured soul.How did you do that without actually having an eye line? You told me that sculpting with a designated eye line would distract from the sculpt.I find it really helps.Is it down to personal choice in the end?
I will always maintain that a sculpture should work from any angle…that surely is the point of doing something in 360 degrees. However as humans we are drawn to faces, so if you watch people looking at sculptures of human (or near human) figures they always gravitate to the 'front'. With something like Quasi here, where all of his humanity/anguish/rage/despair is channeled through his one good eye it seems to pull you round until you find yourself automatically looking at him in such a way that you frame him like this…which is the most common shot you'll find of the Laughton version. I have other pictures of this at different angles but they leave you feeling uncomfortable, like you desperately want to try and peer around the edge of the photo to find that eye.
If you look at most classical sculptures they are rarely focussed on their audience (I actually can't think of one example where they are to be honest), they look at other elements within the sculpture, gaze off into the distance or are introspective, caught within their own thoughts, a private moment which we naturally don't try and break. This allows us to enjoy the sculpture from all angles, without feeling we have to find the 'right' position to look at it.
As commercial artists we either don't have the practise or the skill to get the balance right. We are so used to making stuff that is SUPPOSED to engage with the audience that we find it almost impossible to break the habit in our personal work.
If you look at my two 'Lil-Divil' pieces you can see that in the painting she is looking 'straight down the lens' at us and this gives a feeling that she's aware of us peeking at her…like a deer that has caught sight of the hunter sneaking up on it and is in the moment before it flees. In the sculpture you can angle yourself to get the same feeling, but move slightly and her gaze goes up and over your head and so works from any angle that you look at her. Which probably makes it a more successful sculpture than Quasi here.
In the end it's not so much up to personal choice rather than how you intend the piece to be seen. If it's to be exhibited as a sculpture I would say you would be more successful giving it the unfocussed/off into the distance look. If it's for a photo then a more direct gaze is acceptable.
This is a long and rambling way of saying that I probably got it wrong with Quasi…but I got away with it because of the nature of the subject. I think I'm a good sculptor, but in reality I'm a rank amateur in comparison to those old geezers in the museums….but I'm learning!!
If you look at most classical sculptures they are rarely focussed on their audience (I actually can't think of one example where they are to be honest), they look at other elements within the sculpture, gaze off into the distance or are introspective, caught within their own thoughts, a private moment which we naturally don't try and break. This allows us to enjoy the sculpture from all angles, without feeling we have to find the 'right' position to look at it.
As commercial artists we either don't have the practise or the skill to get the balance right. We are so used to making stuff that is SUPPOSED to engage with the audience that we find it almost impossible to break the habit in our personal work.
If you look at my two 'Lil-Divil' pieces you can see that in the painting she is looking 'straight down the lens' at us and this gives a feeling that she's aware of us peeking at her…like a deer that has caught sight of the hunter sneaking up on it and is in the moment before it flees. In the sculpture you can angle yourself to get the same feeling, but move slightly and her gaze goes up and over your head and so works from any angle that you look at her. Which probably makes it a more successful sculpture than Quasi here.
In the end it's not so much up to personal choice rather than how you intend the piece to be seen. If it's to be exhibited as a sculpture I would say you would be more successful giving it the unfocussed/off into the distance look. If it's for a photo then a more direct gaze is acceptable.
This is a long and rambling way of saying that I probably got it wrong with Quasi…but I got away with it because of the nature of the subject. I think I'm a good sculptor, but in reality I'm a rank amateur in comparison to those old geezers in the museums….but I'm learning!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this Dave!It's really thought provoking.
I've never really meshed with the old "classical" sculptures.
Your right.They are distant,god-like,idealised.They don't look you in the eye.
I'm currently expanding on the whole "trophy head" thing I started with you and the Manticore.I'm intrigued to explore facial expressions/mythical beasts from that KILL 'EM,STUFF'EM,MOUNT 'EM approach.
Its fantastical that they would actually retain the expression just before death,but,what the hell..
Getting into the mind of what you sculpt is a fun thing to do.
BTW..In terms of art,we are ALL always learning.You are a solid influence and source of encouragement in my ongoing attempts. No one told me I was able to sculpt before.You rekindled that fire.
(ps..still really want to see that Innsmouth sculpt! Did you finish it or did it have to be shelved/chucked?)
"When you stare into the Abyss,the Abyss stares back at you.."
I've never really meshed with the old "classical" sculptures.
Your right.They are distant,god-like,idealised.They don't look you in the eye.
I'm currently expanding on the whole "trophy head" thing I started with you and the Manticore.I'm intrigued to explore facial expressions/mythical beasts from that KILL 'EM,STUFF'EM,MOUNT 'EM approach.
Its fantastical that they would actually retain the expression just before death,but,what the hell..
Getting into the mind of what you sculpt is a fun thing to do.
BTW..In terms of art,we are ALL always learning.You are a solid influence and source of encouragement in my ongoing attempts. No one told me I was able to sculpt before.You rekindled that fire.
(ps..still really want to see that Innsmouth sculpt! Did you finish it or did it have to be shelved/chucked?)
"When you stare into the Abyss,the Abyss stares back at you.."
The trophy head thing sounds fun…and the expression thing doesn't matter, taxidermists always put back the expression anyway.
As for you and sculpting? One of the real frustrations I've found since I started teaching was finding that the students with ability often lack the self confidence and those with enormous confidence and drive often lack the ability. I rue the fact that if I were a better teacher I'd be able to rectify that more than I do. You're a really, really good artist and your work (both 2D and 3D) has enormous personality and a sly wit….you just need to get out there and sell yourself better!
The Innsmouth piece was finished and run as a foam and now sit in a bag in my workroom at home. My original model has since left the country, but I'm going to try and put it on someone else when I get the chance…it's just finding the time.
As for you and sculpting? One of the real frustrations I've found since I started teaching was finding that the students with ability often lack the self confidence and those with enormous confidence and drive often lack the ability. I rue the fact that if I were a better teacher I'd be able to rectify that more than I do. You're a really, really good artist and your work (both 2D and 3D) has enormous personality and a sly wit….you just need to get out there and sell yourself better!
The Innsmouth piece was finished and run as a foam and now sit in a bag in my workroom at home. My original model has since left the country, but I'm going to try and put it on someone else when I get the chance…it's just finding the time.
Wow!
Thanks Dave.
Bit gob-smacked!
Being on the course was probably the only time that I felt I was among folk who understood where I was coming from.
Am working on the 3 Cs at the moment.Confidence,Courage and Contacts.
Don't sell yourself short!
You gave me ENORMOUS insight,help,chastisement,energy,encouragment and inspiration!(off the record,I thought Neill was a little distant,but then again,we did only have him for a day or two..)
Beefing up the portfolio is my mission this year and have a couple of other side projects to attend to,but will keep you posted as things develop!
Ps - bit cheeky I know,but if you are heading up anything which needs crew,I am happy to start at the very,very,very bottom...I am totally aware that I need the experience.
Once again,thanks for such kind and inspiring words.
Cheers!
Cal
Thanks Dave.
Bit gob-smacked!
Being on the course was probably the only time that I felt I was among folk who understood where I was coming from.
Am working on the 3 Cs at the moment.Confidence,Courage and Contacts.
Don't sell yourself short!
You gave me ENORMOUS insight,help,chastisement,energy,encouragment and inspiration!(off the record,I thought Neill was a little distant,but then again,we did only have him for a day or two..)
Beefing up the portfolio is my mission this year and have a couple of other side projects to attend to,but will keep you posted as things develop!
Ps - bit cheeky I know,but if you are heading up anything which needs crew,I am happy to start at the very,very,very bottom...I am totally aware that I need the experience.
Once again,thanks for such kind and inspiring words.
Cheers!
Cal
Neill is a great artist and a simply brilliant make up artist (at his best he's one of THE best anywhere) but he's not much of a 'people person'. His 'distant' and slightly cold personality give him enormous 'presence' (you know when he enters a room!) which goes down well with clients as he oozes confidence and puts them at ease, but this same also makes him quite intimidating to more common folk. The truth, I think, is that he does have enormous heart and generosity but is one of those people that find it difficult to express it. It's a shame really because no one in this country has done more than him in passing on skills and techniques, encouraging others and being a total champion of our industry and the people within it, but because of his personality he gets scant credit for all this.
I think it unlikely that I'll ever head up a movie again, it's just not something I want to go back to. However I'm often approached about other work and know of a few projects that I might be involved with in the newer future. If I get the opportunity to recommend people for trainee or junior positions I will certainly and happily put your name forward. Just be ready to move at very short notice because these things usually come together very fast after sitting on the back burner for months!
I think it unlikely that I'll ever head up a movie again, it's just not something I want to go back to. However I'm often approached about other work and know of a few projects that I might be involved with in the newer future. If I get the opportunity to recommend people for trainee or junior positions I will certainly and happily put your name forward. Just be ready to move at very short notice because these things usually come together very fast after sitting on the back burner for months!
Hi Dave! I totally agree with what you say about Neill! He really does fill the room with his presence and he's pretty tall as well.I'm totally in awe of the guy and his work! He was cracking jokes and was a bit more relaxed by the last day which was fun.It was really quite fascinating to see how you both differ in your approach to the work! (I mean that in a GOOD way BTW!)
Regarding any possible trainee/junior positions you may have - PLEASE SIGN ME UP!!
I have no real problems or commitments that can't be dropped at short notice and my work is pretty flexible as far as taking time off/away is concerned.I would whole-heartedly embrace the opportunity to enhance my skills and contacts in the Industry and would be so grateful for the chance!
Do you have my contact details should anything arise and if not,what is the best way to get them to you? (I don't think an open thread on DA is particulary secure..)
Many thanks once again!
Cal
Regarding any possible trainee/junior positions you may have - PLEASE SIGN ME UP!!
I have no real problems or commitments that can't be dropped at short notice and my work is pretty flexible as far as taking time off/away is concerned.I would whole-heartedly embrace the opportunity to enhance my skills and contacts in the Industry and would be so grateful for the chance!
Do you have my contact details should anything arise and if not,what is the best way to get them to you? (I don't think an open thread on DA is particulary secure..)
Many thanks once again!
Cal
I'm here every day so it's actually not a bad way to contact me. Alternatively you can find me on Facebook or mail me at dbonneywell@aol.com
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