And So I Have Begun

After a lot of research and many drawings, I have decided on the poses of the three new sculptures...more or less.

In the first photo on the left I have drawn the outline of the new figures on the base boards. From here I will start to build the figures in clay.

In the second photo, I have started on the "Patriot Woman" figure. Up next to one of the Soldiers, I have tried to keep her smaller in proportion. She will stand about 5'3" in the full size version.

If you look at the drawing on the back board above, you should notice that as I was working on her in clay she developed an "attitude". Look familiar? That is the confidence and strength look coming through. A no-nonsense "I can get it done" attitude.

Go with it. She will tell me how she wants to be seen.

Even though the figure will be covered with a huge full dress and apron, the figure underneath has to be done correctly and fully so that she wears the clothes convincingly. And yes, underneath all of that clay is her heart.

“Artist Michael Tieman Announces Three Additional Life-Size Sculptures for the Oregon Revolutionary War Memorial”

One of the nice things about being the designer of the Oregon Revolutionary War Memorial is that I can make changes. With the tenor of America today, it has made me think about other groups that helped in the Revolution and have taken a back seat in the history of the War.

I have completed the maquettes of the three soldiers depicted on the Memorial, the Continental, the Militia and the Minuteman, and I am working on the first of the three full sized sculptures. Over the last several years my DAR friends have asked if I would add a woman sculpture to the Memorial, and I have agreed but it was not part of the original cost of the Memorial so I suggested they could raise some funds for the sculpture and I would donate my time. I even have made drawings but have set it aside. My bad.

The plus to setting it aside is that it has gelled in my mind and I have made many changes to the original sketches. She has grown in stature and importance for her contribution to the War.

So has the importance of two other groups. The Black soldiers and the Native American Nations, both almost lost in history.

The Memorial is a living, breathing ever changing interactive educational tool. Used to tell the story of the American Revolution, not just a list of names Honoring those who fought and died for Freedom. It is a Memorial to ALL who helped win the fight for Freedom.

I have decided that I will sculpt three additional life-sized sculptures of those three lost groups of Patriots.

The Woman to honor the ladies who were left at home to keep the family, farms, businesses and towns going during the War. Yes, they even had to take up arms for protection.

The Black freemen and slaves who fought for their freedom as well as the country.

The Native American nations who fought to keep their lands and help build a new country for all.

To represent the Black soldier’s contributions, I will make the Memorial figure represent a soldier of the 1^st Rhode Island Regiment, the first Black military regiment. Many more than these 225 men fought on the Patriot side, about 5,000-9,000, but this regiment will be a great group to honor all Black Patriots.

To represent the Native American warriors, I have chosen the Oneida Nation. The Oneida Indian Nation became the first ally to America when they joined the colonists in their fight for independence during the American Revolutionary War at Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill and their diplomats attended the June 11, 1776 Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

I am adding links to a 1^st RI regiment www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/first-rhode-island-regiment/ and the Oneida Nation website www.oneidaindiannation.com so you can become familiar with who these Patriots were.

Research is the key to accuracy, and I have started that research. This will take some time and many drawings to get the proper figures. When I start a sculpture, my drawings always begin with the faces, that sets the right attitude I am looking for and that attitude sets the pose. The heart is the first thing I sculpt and then build the clay figure around it. Even though it is hidden, it gives the sculpture it’s soul. Attitude and soul make a sculpture “alive”.

Stay tuned to the ORWM blog as I will update it with the results of my research, sketches and final clay sculptures.

Other links for your enjoyment: Oregon Revolutionary War Memorial web site and blog, Artist Michael Tieman’s web site and his Blog.

It's been awhile, but I am still working.

Compatriot Michael Tieman

Didn't like the bottom section, so I tore it apart and redid it. Added about 10 lbs to him, not me, and still working on the details.

The Devil Is In the Detail ...

Journal Entry - Sep 20, 2019 

Compatriot Michael Tieman

 
 I have spent the last month or so working on the details of the piece and building up the musket and I added the possibles bag and powder horn.

Not interesting for you to look at, but here are a few newer pics.

Patience grasshopper.

Compatriot Michael Tieman

Finished all the basic forms. Now to continue the detail work on the fabric and weapons. A lot of work time left.

I found some "firmer" clay, not as good as the foundry clay, still a bit soft with the outside temp. in the 90's. A/c and fans can only do so much. But foundry clay (the tan clay you see) is not available yet.

I will hit some of the clay with frozen air in a can to harden small areas to get some of the finer detail, but not practical on a full life size figure.

Bloodied by the Frog.

Journal Entry - Aug 19, 2019 

Compatriot Michael Tieman

Day Fourteen

Today I thought I would work on the weapons and the Frog. The frog is that leather piece that holds the tomahawk and the bayonet and is connected to the leather strap that goes over the shoulders. You can see it on the side view photo below.

Concentrating on the Frog, and getting the shape and weapons looking right, but not on my clay knife and my fingers. Yep, knife slips one of my fingers is in the way ... blood all over.

Time out for Nancy to become the nurse.

Bandaged up and back to work. I have used that knife for decades without a mishap. Age slows the reflexes and the little gray cells I guess.

Oh well, it is true, an artist puts their blood and soul into their work.

New Clay Arrived

Just arrived. The new clay is here. A bit warm since it was in a hot UPS truck all day. It has been sitting in cooler room and is firming up. Have it sit in air conditioning for a day or two. Hope it works.

NEED CLAY

So, no new foundry clay yet. I had to go to plan B.

I bought clay from a supplier in CO. Here is the cost breakdown.

The CO. clay is $1.50./lb  more than foundry clay including shipping if I buy 30# or more. But it is $2.50/lb. less than if I buy retail. I will use more than 130lbs. of clay per sculpture times 3 sculptures.

Fingers crossed I can buy my foundry clay soon, until then 30# at a time from CO. Thing is I have never used clay from this supplier before.

Exploring new possibilities is what artists do. Otherwise life would be boring.

My first shipment arrives tomorrow.

Working On the Fringe ...

August 6

Day 13

And More Clay ...

August 5

Day 12