| Artist
Sean Cooper of Paleocraft
(Oklahoma, USA) has written the following presentation for The Thylacine
Museum which describes his excellent cast resin thylacine scale model,
and the steps involved with its production.
THE PALEOCRAFT THYLACINE SCULPTURE
- Sean Cooper -
January 2006
The Paleocraft thylacine
sculpture was originally to be just one of a set of five educational models
depicting animals that have become extinct or allegedly extinct within
the last few hundred years as a direct result of human activity and encroach-
ment. |
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The set was also to
include the dodo (Raphus
cucullatus), aurochs (Bos
primigenius), quagga (Equus
quagga) and Giant moa (Dinornis
giganteus). Although the project never made it to fruition,
the thylacine was sculpted and later produced independently of the others.
After careful research
and gathering as much reference material as possible, the Paleocraft thylacine
model began life in the form of a wire armature fashioned to about 1/10
scale. Super
Sculpey was then applied and sculpted into shape.
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| Close attention and
careful detailing followed to ensure an authentic look, and for the purpose
of making sure it didn't just resemble a dog or other canine. |
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After the texturing
and details were finished, the Super Sculpey was baked in an oven
to solidify the form. The finished sculpt was then cleaned up with
steel wool and primer before being molded and later cast in resin.
A simple, black rectangular base was added for display and the model then
painted using the reference material to ensure a reasonably accurate color
scheme.
Probably the most recognizable
of the many species that have recently disappeared or become gravely endangered,
the iconic thylacine is a symbol of what can happen and will continue to
happen if mankind doesn't learn to maintain a balance with the natural
world and its other inhabitants.
| More recently the thylacine
has become a symbol of hope in the forefront of science as a candidate
for cloning. As of now a cloned thylacine is still the object of
fantasy. The reality of such a feat is many years ahead if ever,
but until then it will have to continue to exist in our dreams, our art
work and scientific optimism.
Sean Cooper
Paleocraft
Resin Models |
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