SCULPTURE- "Flute Faces"

I just finished a fun little project in collaboration with my talented friend, Amado Espinoza. He asked me to sculpt some faces that he will make molds of, cast them, and then attach the faces to some ceramic flutes that he is making. They are influenced by Aztec designs...another new direction for me to explore! I can't wait to see the finished flutes. They are "special effects" flutes, rather than melodious...creating the sounds of a wild jaguar, or the wind. The face with the headdress at the top was my attempt at a stylized portrait of Amado.

SKETCHBOOK: "More Dino Bones from KU"

It's been a long time since I went out sketching, so today I visited one of my favorite places: Kansas University Natural History Museum in Lawrence, KS. I love drawing their dinosaur/mammal bones exhibits.

SCULPTURE: "Godzilla Car"

Last year, I got to attend my very first Pinewood Derby with my grandson's cub scout troop. I was so excited to learn that the grownups have a "no rules" category for cars that they design. The races aren't until February, but I just finished my entry yesterday and had to give you a sneak peak. I don't care at all if my car makes it down the track...I just needed an excuse to sculpt GODZILLA!!! (He's made with wood, foil, wire, and epoxy clay, painted with acrylics.)

 

 

Once I had the main sculpture finished, I was concerned about the overall weight of the car. I drilled out as much as I could from the core of Godzilla, then packed the holes with very light foam, and sculpted back over the holes.

I will be sure to post photos from the actual Pinewood Derby races in February! Stay tuned! 
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UPDATE!!! What a day at my grandson Jack's Pinewood Derby for his Scout troop! My "Go-Zilla!" car performed better than expected, and I won a certificate in the "Outlaw" division! The best part of the event was during my car's first race...all the little cub scouts were chanting, "God-Zil-Ah! God-Zil-Ah!" In my races, the best I placed was second...I got smoked quite a few times! But we all know that Godzilla is not built for speed...he takes his time smashing things.