MasterDebaser thesis exhibition 2011

I have installed and lit everything from start to finish.Help be damned.Thesis exhibition is up from March 18 - April 1st, 2011University Gallery, University of Florida

http://www.arts.ufl.edu/galleries/university/university_present.html

Alligators on Campus

So, I just kept getting closer and closer to this gator and then when it finally moved, I think I may have wet myself a little.  Luckily it when into the water and didn't go for my arms!  The sign says that you are supposed to stay back 20 feet, I think I made it within 6 feet of the gator.  It was a bit scary since I had to turn away each time I took a photo.  Apparently if you zigzag when you are running in fear you can out run them.  Knowing this justified the proximity.

This one on the other hand was about twice the size of the first gator and I stayed about 25 feet back and didn't want to turn away for a picture...

So I've gone back to see if I could get closer to this monster, and though I did, I still kept my distance.

Inspiration for new forms

Here are some images that I'm referencing now or will be once I get started on my next forms. Once I put it in this sorta view, I can really see the bizarre and strange imagery that I'm drawn to.

            

Side Projects

Sometimes it seems that some of the best work is made when you're not really trying... I'm definitely not overworking these guys while I'm busy fiddling with the clay figures and though they may not be the best things ever, they are fun to make. :)

New guy(s) in progress

Now that thesis work is done, I'm excited to move on to new figures.
Still working in a similar theme, these figures will be cast in silicone and be solitary.
I welded a metal armature, then built a wire mesh around it then added clay on top to sculpt the form.  Once that is completed, a mold will be made in multiple parts and silicone will then be cast to create the final piece.  Eyes and hair will be put into the form and the surface will be as close to realism as I am capable.
This guy is around three feet tall, and still has a temporary support propping him up.  Later he will have a walking cane in his left hand.

This is the armature for a five and a half foot tall Pandaman.  Sorta really excited about the Pandaman idea, and have two of these armatures going now.  I welded steel, covered with a wire mesh and then started to make muscle masses with the foam, fishing line and tape.  Eventually will be covered with fur, and the hands, feet and face will be sculpted and cast in silicone as real as possible.  

Armature number two of the Pandamen series.  This one was just welded and has some of the wire mesh added.  Four feet tall.

Same sort of under structure for this guy, but started prior to the Panda epidemic.  Will be cast in silicone from a fiberglass mold .

Heroes

Sam Jinks
http://www.samjinks.com/
http://www.australianedge.net/cities/melbourne/interview-with-sam-jinks/

Ron Mueck
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Mueck

Evan Penny

http://www.evanpenny.com/

Joseph Seigenthaler
http://www.joeseigenthaler.com/