How to Shape the Base of a Bust

The base of a bust not only holds the sculpture in place but also contributes to the aesthetics of the piece. In addition, the base plays a critical function of anchoring the sculpture and thus keeping it from tipping. The base is often overlooked by beginning sculptors, but special attention needs to be paid to the base to create a well-shaped bust.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Press the originating clay mass down onto the wood that supports the sculpture. The clay must be shaped into a base that is broad enough to support the sculpture's mass.

2. Exaggerate the shape of the bust. The bust must be created larger than the final bust. This will allow the bust to be attached to the base in a way that is balanced and not off center or top heavy. The originating shape will have clay subtracted from it through the process of sculpting.

3. Rough in the shape of the generalized form by working down towards the base. The base needs to be larger than the upper area of the bust, and the clay should be worked downward during the roughing-in stage of sculpting.

4. Create the illusion of movement in the bust by contorting the shape to resemble a person turning or twisting as if to look at something over the shoulder or off to one side, while remembering to keep the lower section in balance. If the figure's movement is wide, the base should be at least 50 to 100 percent larger than the widest dimension of the sculpture.

5. Develop the proportions of the bust. The basic structure of the bust is created in this base stage, including the hips, legs, shoulders, arms and back. Each of this must be coordinated with the shape and style of the base and none of these should overhang the edges of the base.