Studio Sessions
PRODUCTION PROCESS
“The first step of the production or design process is creating a 3D model. Because my background is in graphics, I always start with a 3D model so I can look the design from every angle. The next step is using a 3D printer to create small versions of the design. What looks good on a computer screen doesn’t necessarily translate well for the physical model, so I create a few of them in case I don’t like the first design. “Once I’m happy with this, I will create a large-scale 3D printed model. They are printed in various parts, so each part can be moulded and cast in resin. Sometimes I will cast the entire balloon dog as one piece. Depending on its complexity, the design may be divided into many different smaller pieces, which are then assembled. I will play around at this stage, testing the colours and seeing what looks good or not. “The next stage is creating a second mould for the balloon dog. This has silicone fibreglass on the outside, and a silicone ‘ jacket’ on the inside. I pour resin through the hole, plug it and use a rotomoulding technique, which involves slowly rotating it so the liquid sticks to the walls of the mould. As a result, a hollow figure is formed. When I open the mould, inside is a nicely-cast model of the sculpture, which is ready for cleaning, sanding, priming and then spraying.”
Just how does one go about creating a squatting balloon dog? Our new artist Sebastian Burdon gave us an exclusive tour of his studio to show us how he creates his POPek and Gone artworks. You can also watch our video online over on our YouTube channel.
ENTRANCE ROOM
“The first thing you’ll see when you come in is a shelf with all kinds of artwork. This is just a history of what I’ve made so far, as well as upcoming pieces. It’s a reminder of where I am now, and what is in the pipelines. So don’t look at that bit – it’s secret! “You can find the very first balloon dogs, along with newer iterations, colour variations and different poses. There are also artworks from the artists I’m inspired by, plus books on all aspects of art, advertising, video games and pop culture.”
SPRAY BOOTH
“This is where the final stage of production happens. I prime the sculpture and spray it with my chosen colour before applying a clear gloss, as my artworks are typically very glossy.”
ADJOINING ROOM WITH COMPUTERS, INSPIRATION WALL AND 3D PRINTER
ON THE GONE SERIES
“This is the room in which the initial step of every design happens. Everything starts with an idea! I always keep a wall full of different ideas, inspirations, references to Pop Art and different ideas that I’m trying to blend together within my designs. I keep a notebook with sketches from over the years. I always date my design, so I know exactly how long it took from the initial concept to the final sculpture.
“These pieces are a mixture of my 3D knowledge and my architectural visualisation experience. It’s a delicate balance of recognisable silhouettes and a depth created by the fading of black to white; the further away the character is, the blurrier it gets. “I try to imply the character, rather than tell the viewer who it is. I reveal as little as possible by stripping the figure of colour and making it black or grey. This creates the illusion of a memory or dream.”
Watch the studio tour on www.youtube.com/castlegalleries
100 FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021 101
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