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Tools captioned above are an assortment of clay, wax and stone-cutting tools, as well as rubber-pointed paint brushes and regular paint brushes.
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There are multitudes of tool types - depending on what type of media you want to sculpt with. If you're using clay (as I do) you would select tools that are more akin to helping with the formation of an object from a raw clay-type substance which is a solid but still a somewhat liquid form.
My very first tool was an old butter knife that a classmate gave me. I still have that butter knife, and use it regularly. I also found a use for old credit cards, and even a toothbrush. I find that my hands are my best basic tools. I'm ambidextrous, so I'm fortunate enough to be able to use them both at the same time while working with my hands or with tools.
I strongly suggest that a sculptor should at least try to use both hands - it will help change the way one thinks while sculpting.
Starting out as a new sculptor allows you the opportunity to be creative with tool selection. As you progress, you will find the need to buy more tools that will do specific jobs or give you definitive effects in sculpture a must.
For those who are less inclined to be patient in the start-up of your sculpting career, I would suggest you go to your local art supply store and purchase a basic sculpting kit. Most of these kits are made with the beginning sculptor in mind, and provide the basic tool elements for them. Once you've used and surpassed those basic tools, here are a few ideas on what tools are out there that can be yours:
- Clay Sculpting Tools - most are made of wood, and are available in a number of sizes and shapes. Some other clay tools are made of rubber and some of stainless steel. I find these tools excellent for larger works, (half-size to life size and above) and when starting any size sculpture. Sponges are a must - make sure they are natural sponges.
- Wax Sculpting Tools - most are made of steel (and must be kept fairly clean to prevent rusting) and are very flexible. I find these tools more applicable when working on sculpture less than half-life size, and if you want intricate detail, as well as ease of use.
- Stone-Cutting Sculpting Tools - most are hardened steel, for example, chisels and files are a good start with these tools. They work very well once your sculpture has dried, and or is fired in the kiln. Extreme care must be taken when using these tools, they can take away more than you want them to, and even destroy a work of art.
- Power Tools as Sculpting Tools - the best example would be a dremmel or a routing type of power tool. These are excellent tools to fine-tune your finished works.
- Basic Finishing Tools for Sculpting - sand paper, steel wool, wood or some other based putty, two-part epoxy glue (damage control) and paint brushes will complete the picture.
There are many more types of tools out there, the point is to be creative, and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
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