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Monkeyman is hacking at the clay |
Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2301
From: Vista, CA
|  Posted: 2006-03-10 8:50 pm Permalink
I have been interested in making my own mug for a long time. With the introduction of my first drink last summer (The Monkeypod) I decided that it would be appropriate to make a companion mug.
I learned something very quickly. Sculpting is not easy (not that I ever thought it was) and is very different than carving.
The clay tears and dents and the tricks to shape it can be quite different. Anyway.... Here are some shots of the first prototype. I hope to get it right by the 3rd or 4th try.
The back of his head needs some work. He looks like he had a rough childhood falling off rooftops or something.
I am gladly taking advice from anyone with an aptitude for sculpting and ceramics. Reply to this thread.
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[ This Message was edited by: Monkeyman 2006-03-10 20:54 ]
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virani
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 17, 2003
Posts: 1434
From: Volcanic area of France
| Posted: 2006-03-11 01:10 am Permalink
I believe you're gonna make a great mug we'll all cherish
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tikisobayli
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Dec 05, 2002
Posts: 155
From: ATL
| Posted: 2006-03-11 05:12 am Permalink
Very nice. I can only imagine sculpting the mug. It's great having your own personal mug for your bar. My fiance' made ours, but was a slab rolled base with hand carved accents.
Wiki Wiki Room Mug Thread
Over Christmas, she made a couple bowls for us aswell, but we are still waiting to get those fired. Back to the topic...Congratulations on a great personal mug...enjoy!
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pablus
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 23, 2003
Posts: 2146
From: www.crazedmugs.com
| Posted: 2006-03-11 06:08 am Permalink
Take your time and no regrets once you're finished.
Yeah, I know how you artists are. Tortured souls all.
"If only I could have..." is the mantra.
So... sculpt like the ultra-meticulous craftsman that you are and put me down for one.
Is your drink any good? 
I need to try it.
[ This Message was edited by: pablus 2006-03-11 06:08 ]
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hewey
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 14, 2004
Posts: 4270
From: Sydney, Australia
| Posted: 2006-03-11 4:31 pm Permalink
Cool mug. Maybe make it a little more tribal?
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Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2301
From: Vista, CA
| Posted: 2006-03-11 7:00 pm Permalink
Maybe some Marquesan styled patterns around his cheeks?
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Basement Kahuna
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 14, 2002
Posts: 3587
From: Jawja Province, Isle of North America
| Posted: 2006-03-11 7:20 pm Permalink
Go, man, go! Hey...where are those Mai Kai photos?
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Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2301
From: Vista, CA
| Posted: 2006-03-11 7:49 pm Permalink
which one?
This one
or this one?
Now give me some design pointers... or else.
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Basement Kahuna
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 14, 2002
Posts: 3587
From: Jawja Province, Isle of North America
| Posted: 2006-03-12 9:20 pm Permalink
God, what an ugly mug on that guy in the green shirt!
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Benzart
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 10306
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
| Posted: 2006-03-13 09:49 am Permalink
Yeah, I don't know which is Uglie, I think the Monkeypod guy is prettiest! Clay IS a whole different ballgame ain't it??
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scarysnarles
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Nov 23, 2005
Posts: 37
From: Chicagoland, Indiana
| Posted: 2006-03-13 1:22 pm Permalink
While clay is wet it is a very forgiving material. Dried out it'll break off chip & shatter. Keep a spray bottle full & keep the clay wrapped in a plastic bag as long as your working on it Spray it dialy unless you wish to work it in a more leatherhard state.. I gotta Hand it to you on the peanut shaped head you took off with! Did you even consider the basic straight cylinder shape? I beat my clay with a small stick into the abstact shapes. Using it for measuring the equal negative space between eyes ears chin etc.etc... . One end & side of the stick has measurments different for the opposite. I try to make 2-5 projects a week! Where are you firing are you taking classes! Keep 'em coming!!
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Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2301
From: Vista, CA
| Posted: 2006-03-13 5:13 pm Permalink
I plan on making a slip mold from this so it wont be fired. Im not taking any classes. I went to Michaels and purchased a small box of modeling clay and this is what happened on my first try.
I plan on throwing the basic peanut shape on a wheel next time to get more symmetry. I think the facial features need to be thinner.
I was hoping for lots of relief in the sculpt instead of the traditional cylinder.
Thank you for the ceramic tips. I need them.
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TheBigT
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1155
From: Fabulous Houston
| Posted: 2006-03-14 08:37 am Permalink
I was wondering what kind of clay/material everyone has generally found best for sculpting mugs?
I've been by a few art supply stores and the choices are overwhelming! 
Does the type of mold process determine which clay you should use?
Thanks!
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TheBigT
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1155
From: Fabulous Houston
| Posted: 2006-03-14 08:38 am Permalink
Oh yeah - Monkeyman, cool start! Looks much more ambitious than I would try for my 1st...
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cheeky half
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 22, 2002
Posts: 790
From: Tucson, AZ
| Posted: 2006-03-14 09:42 am Permalink
Put me down for one!
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