FMD #3

As the Fannie Mae Duncan sculpture is a life-size historical figure it will be important to have a good model with hundreds of photos available. I will be sculpting a life-size bust to start with, to really get to know her face and then will be sculpting a few small and loose posing maquettes - choosing the best to refine as a finished maquette.

Knowing that I’ll need good lighting and photography I have chosen to invest time and money on a rotating platform. I spent a lot of time on the internet looking for plans and options and in the end, used information from several sites to come up with my own plan to build it. My husband graciously helped with the hard work and heavy lifting and taught me some new constructions skills in the process, although I did leave the angle-grinder work to his skilled hands. 

I purchased two 4’x4 sheets of 3/4” plywood, 12 rotating/swivel wheels rated at 80lbs each, screws and some scrap lumber we had around the shop. 8 wheels would have been sufficient for the weight but found that we needed the additional 4 wheels to keep the platform from tipping when stepped on. I have outlined the process and steps for this do it yourself (diy) rotating model platform below. 

Next I’ll be making a backdrop for the photography and then I’ll be all set for the upcoming photoshoot with my live model.