The Process


SOLD

"The secret to realistic sculpting," says Lisa, "is an accurate skeleton." Her sculptures always begin with detailed drawings of the skeleton and musculature. To create the skeleton, she molds 3/8" aluminum wire; when the skeleton is completed its proportions reflect actual human anatomy and can be positioned in any natural position that the human body can obtain. After wrapping the armature in cotton thread she builds the muscles using batting which she sews into place. Using nylon for the skin, she stretches it over the figures in multiple layers which she will vary until she obtains the result she desires. "Nylon is like no other fabric. It can be stretched to nine times its original dimension, yet still return to its original state," states the artist.

The realistic flesh tones are created by light itself. The color is created by opalescence. Light passes through the layers of semi transparent fabric and bounces off the white batting and thereby creates the effect. Because of the nature of her material and the light play through the layers, the sculptures have a soft, life-like glow that no other sculpting material can match. One looks at them and is prepared to swear that they saw them breathing.