“heartbreak”
inspiration
In the peaceful world of my studio, it’s hard to imagine the trauma so many around the world are experiencing. Media allows us insight into the suffering caused by the war in Ukraine. When I show this sculpture to people, the most common response is “Ohh, Suzie!” with a hand to their hearts and sadness in their eyes. I’m so glad this piece evokes such a heartfelt response, thus the title “Heartbreak”.
technique
I made an armature of wire and filled out the figure with foil, then added layers of Apoxie Sculpt, which cures after combining the two-part resin over a few hours. This allows for time to shape and smooth it with a palette knife, ball tools, brushes and a little water. The figure sat waiting to be painted for months, while I figured out what colors and paints to use. After much discussion with my mentors and trials with various colors, I decided on simulating a black and white photo to give the figure a somber effect.
The resin surface of the sculpture is stonelike and impermeable. My first trials with regular acrylic paint and acrylic retarder, to slow drying time, resulted in puddling and quick drying layers that were difficult to blend. After many trials on scrap resin, I happened on Golden Open acrylics at The Art Supply House here in Durango. This version of acrylic paint was designed to be more like oil paint, with its slower drying time, allowing for better blending.
The base is a lovely piece of black stone. John at 2180 Lighting and Design Studio here in Durango made a special trip to their stone yard to allow me to help myself to as many pieces of scrap countertop marble and granite as I could load into my car for this and future projects.
materials
Apoxie Sculpt, wire, foil, Golden Open acrylic paint, stone base.
Dimensions for this piece: 7”H x 11”W x 8”D
Heartbreak gifted to Jackie and Don Zirklebach in appreciation for their generous donation of $1000 to Care’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Fund.
Marcos Wisner, owner of the new Gallery at 11th Street Station kindly donated space in the Gallery at the Grand Opening.
