PiNkJazZ - Inside the Sculptor's Studio

Brave New World

2015-05-16T17:14:00.000-04:00

Presenting "Lydon" - The fifth in my series of graphic meets 3D style characters for my collectible resin figures.
Back in March of 2015, I was asked to participate in introducing the latest Makerbot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer for a national pc retailer in my area. Although as the title suggests ("Brave New World"); 3D printing/printers for the consumer is hardly new. And many of the Makerbot printers are commonly found in most retail stores; ranging from Office Depot to the big box giant, Home Depot. Nevertheless, from a traditional sculptor's point of view, (who has recently made the leap into virtual sculpting), I thought this would be a cool experience to talk about the migration, process and to see first hand how my recent digital sculpt would translate to 3D printing. Lydon will be my first printed piece. Although the date has been pushed back for this demonstration, I am eager to see how well (or not) this process will preform compared to my experience in hand sculpting toys.
stay t00ned!

Up-Toon (Clash Toon-Up)

2015-03-12T15:22:00.000-04:00

Revisiting one of my earlier designer collectible releases from the Clash "Springtime Carnage" series; I decided to have some fun recreating this digital version of "Ragin' Red" in ZBrush.

Heaven Sent...(by mistake)

2015-02-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

My recent 3D model of "Kisses" created in ZBrush/Rigged in Maya.

Jetpack & Diamonds

2015-02-09T11:34:00.000-05:00

Further exploring new vistas in 3D modeling. This is my first color rendition of Sh-Betty Boom(& Bop)-titled "Jetpack & Diamonds" set against a general galactic wallpaper. Simple enough for my intermediate experience; I hope be able to engage in utilizing more advanced rendering engines and learn more about lighting and shaders.

Patience Means Never

2015-01-26T12:12:00.001-05:00

"Patience Means Never" (aka Pigs Fly).

Mars Needs Women

2014-12-20T13:05:00.001-05:00

Sh-Betty Boom's next frontier continues into virtual space!....

My 3D Concept art for Sh-Betty Boom & Bop - "Mars Needs Women" maquette.

I've currently put off finishing the base for now, while I'm in the process of juggling several digital sculpts, learning the various tools in ZBrush, Maya and Keyshot rendering. I'll post updates when I can -
Stay T00ned!

Changing Minds

2014-12-04T12:23:00.000-05:00

Tweaking my brain from traditional to digital. While I expand my headroom, Expand the post to see a few more (modest) samplings of my virtual sculpts.....

"Ralfey"

"Jurrassic Mosquito"

Wrestling Ring-A-Lings (concept gaming characters & collectible line) "RoseBud"

Wrestling Ring-A-Lings (concept gaming characters & collectible line) "Junior"

Don't Let's Start

2014-10-23T14:16:00.001-04:00

Once again it has been quite some time since I posted new content. Lately I've been spending less time shaping and carving characters from physical matter and more time in front of my tablet pushing polygons. Yes - as the certainty of evolution is inevitable in order to sustain existence; Artist in the industry are neither immune to evolving and eventually have to accept and adapt to shifting their tool/mind set in order to stay current with the ever changing environment of family entertainment. Although I enjoyed dabbling in 3D with Maya now and then, it seemed more of a time consuming chore for me to model something on a virtual plane (that I could never touch or hold in my hand), than it was for me to sculpt something tangible from clay in a faction of the time. For someone who has worked with their hands throughout their career; this was exceptionally difficult to rationalize. Sculpting is my job and a love that often come with challenges as well as a sense of accomplishment. It's also a very therapeutic form of art working with your hands. Although there are parallels and as much as I hate to admit it, I usually don't enjoy spending hours sitting in front of a computer screen constantly re-working and re-crafting creative content trying to make things perfect. But I do. Then again, I also enjoy the challenge of learning something new. And like most people who's right and left brain are constantly in session in order to reconcile without sacrifice - there are often bouts of resistance for finding reasons not to ("because I don't feel like it"), Eventually you are compelled to understand why you have to. This was very much the case for me with regards to 3D modelling. That being said - "Don't" was no longer an option.
So..."Let's start"...

Working in ZBrush, I began with my character "Orbit" and the cast from my live action animated screen write "BLiP".

With an understanding that the technical learning curve may dissuade me to giving up too soon, I decided not to dive into trying to create something as ambitious as a hardcore game character for my first subject. It seemed much more practical to start off working with simple geometry and progress from there. Given my personal style, the obvious choice was to start off with something I was familiar with. Since having sculpted these characters in clay many times, I attempted to re create them digitally, from memory without reference just to add an element of artistic challenge. However seemingly simple enough primitive forms - it was challenge nonetheless for a beginner learning to use unfamiliar tools. "Queen Cosma Zarah's" ensemble will eventually have a few more embellishments as I continue to learn the tools and manage my workflow more efficiently. I am very encouraged with my results. This was truly a pleasurable learning experience every step of the way.

As an exercise, I recreated Vapor in Zbrush. Vapor was posed by creating a Zspheres rig. I will use Maya IK's for the next iteration.

"AstroFly" was to be a concept character for an intended game. From a simple concept drawing I did, he has since evolved after spending a little more time playing with the vast set of "brushes" and techniques inside of ZBrush.

These are just a few of the characters I have a created from my modest beginnings as I delve into the world of virtual sculpting. More to come...stay tOOned!

Revenge Of The Goldfish

2014-02-20T13:39:00.001-05:00

Be sure before you flush...

This recent sculpt is titled "Generations".

cast resin, hand sculpted, mixed media and acrylic, marble and granite mount. (obscenely heavy).

It seems understandable that this current piece smacks certain overtones of trendy "zombie fandom" - but in actuality, (like many of my works), it was inspired by music. In this instance; I give a nod to Inspiral Carpets' (1992) song "Generations" from the album (by the same title as this post) which adorns the awesome photographic art of Sandy Skoglund. While the song, was motivating enough - the sculpt has nothing to do with the lyrics. In this context, "Generations", I attempt to parody "capricious evolution".... Although, I have to admit - their music video, was as equally "inspiraling"!

Dirty Water

2014-01-27T16:29:00.001-05:00

something new is churning......Stay t00ned.

original - hand modeled and sculpted WED clay, annealed and finished in high gloss polyurethane paint.

Go Go Gorilla

2013-05-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I received an email from the folks at Clutter magazine informing me that my Gazuzu "Airhead" was recently nominated for best resin figure in this years Designer Toy Awards! If you like designer toys, check out the line up in this years competition...and by the way - don't forget to show a little love to Gazuzu by voting for him!
Thanks!

They're All Out Of Liquor - Let's Find Another Party

2013-03-29T09:03:00.000-04:00

It seems it's been a while since I last posted anything new. I decided to take a bit of a hiatus from self producing my cold cast resin figures to focus my attention back to creating sculpture....
However, looking around my studio I soon realized, not only did I have a backlog of unfinished/(slated to be molded) figures sitting on my shelves, it also became apparent that they were also monopolizing a large amount of my sculpting material.
Unfortunately none of the figures was worth sacrificing in lieu of my desire to spend time in the studio noodling around with clay for the afternoon...

To make matters worse - It was the weekend and supply stores are closed. Frustrated yet determined; and after a few minutes of scrounging the bowels of my cluttered studio hoping to find, at least, a remnant of Chavant or even a left over fossilized bar of super sculpey, I happened upon some (forgotten) wax I had purchased several weeks prior....

I really don't enjoy sculpting in wax for leisure. It can sometimes wind up being a long and tedious effort, demanding too much focus which can suck the spontaneity and life out of a potentially cool design. Finding a good balanced wax; one that is firm yet SMOOTH and malleable enough to render a gesture quickly with the hardness that can be carved cleanly with an x-acto knife without being sticky...has always been a quest. There are some brands that I like well enough, but I still prefer to make my own (which is more like a waxy carve-able clay). At any rate I thought I'd delve in with this new brand and try to have some fun with it.

In spite of the lighthearted nature of the sculpt - working with this wax wasn't much fun at first. The product turned a bit mealy when heated to 100°F taking on the characteristics of sticky light green mashed potatoes. Trying to model with it at this stage was pretty much the same. It's tenacity and gummy like quality suggested there was a fair amount of beeswax comprised in the compound.
Although, after finding the right temperature (80°F), where it was firm enough to be workable, I did enjoy some of the advantages it offered. A low melting point, got you working quickly. While cool down was fairly rapid; the wax was seemingly hard enough, at room temperature, making it suitable for carving detail. A quick pop in the freezer offered better stability for cutting in sharper detail. Unfortunately it's tenacity made it difficult to smooth by scraping and sanding methods and became a magnet for dirt. My relentless effort to use various smoothing solutions to aid in the process...just made a dirty mess. As it is indicative of the horrendous marbling that can be seem throughout the sculpture. Despite the photos - the color of this material is mint green. That's right - MINT GREEN...go figure?

I can't say it was a horrible product to work with. Eventually I will melt down another batch of this wax and add a few more ounces of Carnauba to firm it up a bit and give it the proper color by adding in graphite powder and a few dark crayons if needed.

"Awakening" edition update

2013-01-17T21:56:00.000-05:00

"Dream" (white gloss) "Mist" (grey green)

"Destiny" (violet) "Genesis" (pearl blue)

(select an image for a larger view)

Sculpture specs: 7.5"W x 27.5"H, polystone (resin), individually hand cast, signed and numbered.
Edition size: 12 (3 ea edition)
Please refer to my previous entry for turn around views and additional images of the original piece. Feel free to Contact me for details and pre-ordering.

Rise

2013-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2013!

As we rise to embrace another day - So we begin another year. Another chapter in our lives and the journey that awaits. Awakened - The spirit within reborn...

[Titled:] "Awakening" ; is given new life for 2013...

Limited release of 12 pieces will be available for pre order 1.4.13. Contact me for details...

*sculpture specs: 7.5"W x 27.5"H, polystone (resin), individually signed and numbered.
edition size /12:
3/ white high gloss
3/ white w/light iridescent sea foam gradation (natural satin finish)
3/ white w/pearl blue gradation, high gloss finish
3/ white w/soft violet gradation, gloss finish

Happy Holidays!

2012-12-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

Best wishes to all this holiday season!
_pierre

How Soon Is Now

2012-11-23T00:49:00.001-05:00

28:06:42:12

Did you mark your calender?
New Cybermite LE release for "the end of the world" starts today...

According to the Mayan's, the last page runs out on 12.21.12. According to 'Frank the Bunny' there are only 24 days, 06 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds left before it happens...

"Stupid Bunny Suit Mite" are Limited to 6 individually hand cast and sculpted polystone resin pieces and are available now from the studio store!

I don't really know why Donnie Darko is one of my favorite movies....It's almost scary to think it's because I understood it.

Who Do You Want To Be Today?

2012-10-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

Fleetwood See Cruizin' - "Dark Waters" edition for Halloween 2012

Limited to six, 1/1 pieces; The special edition "Dark Waters" sculptures measure 6" high x 8" long and are hand cast in polystone resin. Each figure is airbrushed and hand painted in ghostly pearls and metallic high gloss finishes. Hand signed, comes packed in "seeweed" with a COA and are available in the Studio Store!

Each sculpture comes with additional magnetic accessories; pirate hat and patch ensemble, glow in the dark skull mask with detachable hat and a pumpkin carry-all for collecting all those goodies, treats and chum to be had while trick or treating on the high seas.

(Roll over the images below for alternate version)

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Abyss

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Squall

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Scuttle

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Elderberry

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Lividity

Fleetwood "Dark Waters' " - Eventide

Fright-Mite

2012-10-14T20:07:00.001-04:00

Halloween's just around the corner and so are some new, but frightfully familiar faces lurking about!...

Limited to five (1of 1) individually hand cast and painted polystone collectible figures; Each one of a kind "Fright'Mite" has been customized, signed and numbered 1/1 making them a unique addition to any collection.

CreepyHollowMite (01/01)

with internal flickering LED lighted belly & eyes

(roll over the image to see static lighting effect)

BridalMite (01/01)
(featuring soft glow in the dark pearlized finish)

Hell-o-Mite (01/01)

with internal strobing LED eyes

(roll over the image to see animated lighting effect)

PunkinMite (01/01)

with internal flickering LED lighed belly

(roll over the image to see static lighting effect)

ThrillerMite (01/01)

YA YA

2012-07-15T15:28:00.196-04:00

The first edition of lil' Flikker - Vapor noddlers are now available ...

Update!

New Smolder edition!

Sitting at a scorching 5" tall; the Lil' Flikker - Vapor "noddler" are limited to 5 of each color (Pitaya, Sherbet , Bubblemint & Smolder). Each hand cast and painted poly-stone noddler is signed and numbered and available online from the studio store.

Lil' Flikker - Pitaya edition

Lil' Flikker - Sherbet edition

Lil' Flikker - Bubblemint edition

Beyond The Sea

2012-06-18T22:25:00.113-04:00

Break out your cabana clothes - cause summer is here and so are the first run of limited edition Fleetwood resin figures, titled - "See Cruizin' "

UPDATE: 6.23.12

Wow- that was quick! all Fleetwood - See Cruzin' editions sold out in a matter of two days!

Thank you - to all who purchased. I hope you were able to score your favorite color. And a special thanks to all the art/toy bloggers for your kind support in getting the word out!(I now return you to our) original post:
Several summer festive colors will be available (Wednesday) 6.20.12 in the Studio Store!

Each hand cast polystone resin figure measures 6" high x 8" long, airbrushed and hand painted and are available in six vibrant metallic/pearl gloss finishes to choose from. The Fleetwood figure also comes with a removable leis and are signed and packed in "seaweed" with an accompanying COA.

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' " - Vista

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' " - Coppertone

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' " - Daiquiri

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' '" - Sunset

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' " - Lagoona

Fleetwood "See Cruizin' " - Apocalypso

visit the PiNkJazZ Studio Store!

Leave My Monkey Alone

2012-04-01T09:48:00.043-04:00

Spring is in the air! and GaZuZu makes his second debut in LiviNg Color - with the Springtime fresh; AirHead -"Aggro" edition. Reminding us that, along with April showers and pretty flowers comes those other little annoyances like allergies, chores, loud neighbors...while unseen things with wings that sting, buzz about your head...

Limited to 6, individually hand cast, signed and painted polystone figures - The GaZuZu AirHead - "Springtime Aggro" edition are now available in the Studio Store!

Gazuzu "Airhead" - belligerent blue

Gazuzu "Airhead" - egregious green

Gazuzu "Airhead" - yammering yellow

Gazuzu "Airhead" - ocd orange

Gazuzu "Airhead" - petulant pink

Gazuzu "Airhead" - relentless red

International orders; please email me directly in order to calculate proper shipping costs to your address.

Airhead

2012-03-12T20:24:00.021-04:00

The Limited Edition Gazuzu "AirHead(79)" figures are finally posted!

The wonderful thing about a blog; is not only being able to deliver fresh content on the fly - but my favorite thing about blogger; is the slogan - "push button publishing". How clever is that, I ask you? However, like the tagline implies - you MUST actually PUSH the button to actually POST the content after you write it....ugh! My forgetfulness notwithstanding - here is my very long over due release of the Gazuzu resin figure (appropriately) entitled "AirHead" (79). Each can be purchased here from the Studio Store...

Gazuzu - AirHead(79) #1/04
Sold
Thank you!

Gazuzu - AirHead(79) #2/04
Sold
Thank you!

Gazuzu - AirHead(79) #3/04
Sold
Thank you!

Gazuzu - AirHead(79) #4/04

Gazuzu AirHead 79 edition was intended to make it's debut 3 weeks ago in time to pay homage to the anniversary of that other famous ape to scale a building, back in 1933. Limited Edition of 4 pieces -The AirHead 79 figures sit 6.25" tall (to top of head) on a 4" diam base, each individually signed and numbered, hand cast in polystone resin, airbrushed and hand painted in a satin, monochromatic color scheme.

All orders requested from outside of the continental US, please email me directly for proper shipping costs to your confirmed address (no P.O. Boxes please), and country to be sent to.

Forever young

2012-02-15T17:45:00.001-05:00

"Wonder Years" sculpture was originally created for my lovely wife, in celebration of a new companion that would fill our hearts and touch our lives for the next 12 years....

In Fond and Loving Memory
of the best friend I'll ever have-

Beau
(3.18.1999 - 2.13.2012)

Sweet dreams little buddy. Dream of butterflies - we love you.

Christmas Catalogue

2011-12-07T17:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Another season is upon us and I'll be winding up the year with a limited edition run of goofy creature creations from the recent past. Limited to five sets of 4 pc editions - Beacon, Coal, nEvergreen, UrbanSnow and One; the sets include Vapor, Clash and the latest figures Fleetwood and Gazu-zu. Each figure sits 5½" - 6" tall and are cast in fortified polystone resin and can be purchased here...

***UPDATE***
You can now purchase each of these "Beacon" figures individually in the
Studio Store
"Beacon" (4pc) limited edition set
*Fleetwood . Vapor. Clash . Gazu-zu* - hand cast polystone resin, finished in high gloss metal flake red.

Sold
Thank you!
"Coal" (4pc) limited edition set
*Fleetwood . Vapor. Clash . Gazu-zu* - hand cast polystone resin in mono black - satin finish.

Sold
Thank you!
"nEvergreen" (4pc) limited edition set
*Fleetwood . Vapor. Clash . Gazu-zu* - hand cast polystone resin, finished in high gloss color-shifting green/violet.

Sold
Thank you!
"UrbanSnow" (4pc) limited edition set
*Fleetwood . Vapor. Clash . Gazu-zu* - hand cast polystone resin, finished in high gloss "pepper white"/violet pearl.

Sold
Thank you!
"One" (4pc) limited edition set "one of each"
*Fleetwood . Vapor. Clash . Gazu-zu* - hand cast polystone resin, painted (respectively) in high gloss metallic, pearl and satin finishes.

All orders shipped USPS Priority(3-5 days). Please place order to allow enough time for shipping to destination during the holiday season. International interests/orders will be contacted with accurate costs for shipping to country of originating request. Order will be shipped to a confirmed mailing address only.

One Thing Leads To Another...

2011-11-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

.....

Rounding up 2011 with a sampling of my character maquettes created since the inception of this little blog back in 2009. Vapor was the first of a few resin figures that went into production after a 5 year hiatus from my previous collectible releases in 2004. Year-end, limited edition collector sets will be available in time for the holidays in a variety of colorways. The sets will include Vapor & Clash as well as the two, yet unreleased additions - Fleetwood & Gazu-Zu.

Vapor prototype_10.2009

Clash prototype_12.2010

Fleetwood prototype_9.2011

Gazu-zu prototype_10.2011

Stay T00ned!