(This post will be updated at the end when the final piece is finished)
Over the weekend (April 10-11 2021) I was able to finish the final model for, and sliced version of the astronaut statue. The model had some issues during import, creating holes in the model where it should have been solid. After fixing that, the final slices were made and the final leg of the process, was started. However, an idea I had was to engrave boundary lines between shapes on each layer to denote the different pieces, such as the collar, or helmet pieces. These are still planned to be sanded, however, I’ve started to love the crystal look of the acrylic.
I had decided to make an abyss style base for the statue as well, and all but the top layer has been cut as I want to do a final experimental look on if I want to engrave a “wave” line around where the statue is placed. I made the model’s shoes flat as well to help with adhesion later on. I’ve chose to work with clear Loctite, but I’m still waiting for it to arrive. Otherwise, all but the center pieces have been cut and all others are waiting to be peeled and polished.
Update from April 15th 2021:
The glue comes in later on today, all pieces for the astronaut have been cut. The base is mostly cut and extra material is in holding to finish the current base.
Update from April 16th 2021:
Below are the final cuts arranged into their approximate final form for construction:
Update from May 15th 2021:
The project is completely finished! I ended up using clear Elmer’s glue to piece the layers together and scrapped the wave idea on the abyss plate. It took about 2 days for the whole gluing process, and I found that the glue didn’t stick to alcohol wipes, so while letting things set, I placed the pieces on alcohol wipes, while this did create a bit of an issue with air bubbles, or as I suspect, I think the piece turned out stunningly with the clear crystal look I was going for.
i am intrigued by the texture of the human figure cut together like this on the objects face
Thank you! Besides the issues with importing. I’ve found that the embellishments also help with lining up the pieces.
I am blown away by the time your are putting into each aspect if this project so that it comes out just as planned. I am noticing many circular shapes located at joints, are these mechanisms to make the limbs of your figure move or are they apart of the astronaut suit’s details? In my opinion this project is really cool, I can’t wait to see it al come together, and I think a wave pattern under the figure would be a great way to make him the center of the project.
The circles are the joints of the legs are just decorations. I’m excited to see how the depth of all the pieces are going to come together as well!
Hi Kat,
I notice the amount of detail in your piece. I especially like the helmet. I am looking forward to seeing your whole piece together with the base. How did you decide on acrylic for the final piece?
Thank you! And I decided to use acrylic because I liked the fact that I could achieve a very ethereal and see-through look. An added benefit to this as well was that it was less prone to warping during the cut and application process.
Hi! I noticed the amount of testing and consideration that has been made for this project both with the details being considered now and in earlier stages. What made you decide to do the layers sliced vertically?
Thank you! It’s been an interesting process trying to work the acrylic to get the desired look. As for the vertical slices: Originally, I just thought it would be cool the have them vertical. I knew it would help bring out more of the details on the helmet on the legs, but I didn’t expect it to make it easier to form the hands. I liked how the flow of the hands and other details we’re slices, and ultimately kept the vertical slices
Hi Kat! I noticed the detail that you put into the fingers and the detailing on the head of the figure. I was wondering, what is the reasoning of making the piece using clear material? I’m really looking forward to what the final piece is going to look like!
Thank you!
The original concept was to use completely hazy acrylic. However, after seeing how the cardboard material I used for testing messed with light, I wanted to do something similar with acrylic. This was, impossible, but I decided leaving portions of the piece completely clear, and the rest of it with a hazy hand sanded look, it would help maintain the concept of “messing with light” and create a two toned look to accentuate the details on the piece.
Hi Kat! I appreciate the suit details that you added to the piece! Do you have any plans for painting any areas of the piece? I also think that a stand with lights would add to the overall aesthetic of the piece.
I do not plan to use any paint on the final piece, maybe with the exception of the wood on the stand which I was thinking of creating a “river bed” wash of white acrylic on. I plan to sand the pieces to create two tones on the main piece though.
I appreciate the amount of work it must take to put all of these layers together. Have you thought about what material the base will be made of? I also think having LEDs below the stand is a really cool idea and agree that a wave pattern or something of the sort on the stand would be cool. Maybe you could experiment with some stars or planets engraved on the sand to stick with the astronaut theme?
I have to agree! I would have to create a separate stand to experiment with, or possibly a box to go over top of the current. I could imagine putting lighter lines, stars, and sparkles on the river bed!
Hello, I am struck by the moment you are capturing in this person. It has a sense of motion and tension. In my opinion, I think using as many layers of a thinner material as possible would be really cool.
Thank you! And I would have to agreed that using a thinner material may have added an extra layer of depth to the piece? I am unsure, I chose to stick with an 1/8 inch because I knew adhesion would be an issue are the end of the line. It still is as I was trying to fine a proper adhesive that wouldn’t interfere with the crystalline look I wanted to achieve. (As I’m writing this, I’m planning on going to Washburn tomorrow to glue all the pieces.)