Mix up small amounts of the RapidSet Cementall (or similar quick setting cement) so that it does not set before you can use it up. But it sets quick, can be manipulated and is darn hard when done. So, I fell back to my usual, RapidSet concrete.Ī true sculptor would argue with me, as it is a medium that does not allow subtractive work. Well, air dry clay recipes did not make me feel confident that they would be quite workable. Once I had the rough ‘face’, I needed to decide how this was going to go further… My plan was to be able to make a mold of the final sculpture, so I needed something that would harden without baking (styrofoam melts). Take a break and look at again with ‘fresh’ eyes to see what you may have not noticed before. Think of the flat planes first and then add the smaller details.Ĭheck the depth of the nose and lips, use pictures as reference.

The face is symmetrical, and can be broken into planes. Mine is about twice life-size about 14″ wide by 18″ tall.Ĭut and glue and cut and glue, slowly getting more details. I wanted this DIY Concrete Face Garden Sculpture to be larger than life-size for maximum effect. It was quite fun cutting and gluing, adding layers to also create the height of the facial features. It cuts easily with a large exacto knife and glues quite well with a lower temperature glue gun. Plan the basic proportions on the styrofoam sheet. I used that type meant for home insulation and comes in large sheets as I find it cuts cleaner than the white type used in packaging. To give myself a starting structure that is light and sturdy, easy to manipulate (no heavy duty tools) I used styrofoam. Take note of side view as well for comparison of depth.the lips are about 1/3 from nose to chin.the nose ends about 1/2 way from eyes to the chin.You can always make an interpretation be your own Picasso! Some memories of college crept back into my mind, drawing the planes of the face and basic proportions. This was not going to be a vessel or planter so it was really quite easy… Since it is a mask shape (halloween has many masks right now) you could possibly find one to make this project even simpler It’s a great idea as it does not need to be so perfect or so complete.Īs I usually do, I make some sketches to keep track of those many visions in my mind’s eye. I fell in love with the huge faces by Igor Mitoraj! They are not complete, somewhat flat and can be placed just about anywhere. I’ll provide you with a few key points to keep in mind and then you too can also add ‘sculptor’ to your resumé and make your own Concrete Face Garden Sculpture.

Contrary to what you make think, sculpting is not as difficult as you may think if you give yourself a chance. This project is a personal endeavour that has been brewing in my mind for a while. My garden is my paradise, so I love to add some sculpture to it.

Perfect face mold