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| Design and Fabrication process for the Sea & Sky sculpture |
Ken Smith Sculpture
| Ken Smith Sculpture Copyright 2010 |
When the idea / concept (a sea otter playing with a ball in
the surf and a seagull flying above) comes to mind, a
rough sketch is made.
the surf and a seagull flying above) comes to mind, a
rough sketch is made.
The sketch is then transformed into a 3D model using a
digital design program. This allows the artist to
visualize how the sculpture will look in real life, and
allows for easy modification, basically like using digital
clay. This program also provides templates that are used
to cut (waterjet) the steel sheet.
digital design program. This allows the artist to
visualize how the sculpture will look in real life, and
allows for easy modification, basically like using digital
clay. This program also provides templates that are used
to cut (waterjet) the steel sheet.
A 1/12 scale model (maquette) is constructed and
finished in the same manner as the proposed full scale
sculpture. This is an iterative process and usually a
few 1/5 scale maquettes are made as well.
This allows the artist to:
- present a realistic prototype to the client
- see what the finished piece will look like and how it
reacts with the environment
- see that the cut steel parts fit together properly and
adjust them accordingly
finished in the same manner as the proposed full scale
sculpture. This is an iterative process and usually a
few 1/5 scale maquettes are made as well.
This allows the artist to:
- present a realistic prototype to the client
- see what the finished piece will look like and how it
reacts with the environment
- see that the cut steel parts fit together properly and
adjust them accordingly
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Once the design is finalized the parts are cut from
stainless steel sheet. The parts are tack welded
together and all the parts test fitted. When the artist
is satisfied that the sculpture looks right, the piece is
fully welded and then ground down to the finish
required.
stainless steel sheet. The parts are tack welded
together and all the parts test fitted. When the artist
is satisfied that the sculpture looks right, the piece is
fully welded and then ground down to the finish
required.
The sculpture pieces are polished to the desired
finish. These pieces are then adjusted for the final
fitting and then welded in place.
finish. These pieces are then adjusted for the final
fitting and then welded in place.
The sculpture is then installed on location..