Change of plan and self reflections on my self confidence as an artist

The 3D printer keeps on faulting when the wishbone is being created vertically. The only successful print happened with it lay down horizontally on the printing bed. Cute, but not big enough.

In order to be certain that I could create this piece in time for my show, I have changed my plans, deciding to create a model by hand using aluminum wire, insulation board and Modroc.

I created the same basic shape twice, measuring the proportions of the smaller 3D printed piece and tripling them. At this stage, I doubled over thick guage aluminum wire and then twisted it using a drill and an eyelet hook. This is because when you manipulate aluminum this way it strengthens it structurally. This felt wise considering I want to be able to add heavy layers of Modroc afterwards without distorting the form too much.

To bulk out the wishbone head, I used some insulation board that I cut with a saw and and then filed down to refine the shape.

I secured this in place with fine wire and then played around with the whole piece, getting the structure just so.

I liberally applied Modroc to the majority of the form, focusing on the head and the legs to start with. I then positioned it and left it to harden off and stabilize before I added more Modroc weight to the bottom section.

I made the wisbone form as thick as possible to make the ice sculpture as robust as possible.

Reflections on my practise: I should have just followed this process in the first place. I think I can feel intimated by 3D work and therefore have a tendency to be avoidant of it. But creating this, and the porcelain endling piece, have boosted my confidence. I doggedly pursued my vision for both and I've proven that I am both technically competent and capable of problem solving in this area of practise. 

And I am proud of that. I'll try to carry that self knowledge forward.