Brandon Zimmerman brings us this
unusual Cthulhu idol. It manages to seem both aquatic and diseased at the same time.
Due to the high level of oxidation, Miskatonic University scholars
believe the idol, as well as its two counterparts, to have been
submerged for well over 300 years. They are believed to have been
originally brought to the Galapagos by Spanish pirates. Recovered ship
logs from the late 1680s show that pirates commonly used the Galapagos
as hideouts, burying their stolen goods in the islands' countless coves
and craters. The Spanish in particular were known for this, often
referring to the mist shrouded islands as “Las Encantadas,” the
bewitched islands. Where the pirates originally discovered these three
idols remains a mystery to this day.
2 comments:
They are pretty amazing for polymer clay. The shiny copper showing through is a good effect, making it look like they were slightly cleaned. The blobby, shapelessness makes them quite menacing as well. It gives them a kind of cast look, rather like a Cthulhu inspired Michelin tire man (Bibendum) introduced in 1894, who I always thought was creepy anyway – especially the early advertisements. Anyway you have great looking and original figures. I know it’s not easy to make something that hasn’t been seen before.
For you prop makers, keep in mind that ancient, uncleaned bronze wouldn’t have an even patina, especially one so bright. Among collectors, it is indicative of an acid wash to induce corrosion in modern fakes. Try playing around with different shades of corrosion all on the same item to simulate older corrosion patterns. Check out the internet to find original bronze objects as a guide for your prop making as a color and texture guide.
A nice selection of colors among buried bronze items – note the variations in patina http://www.worldwidestore.com/Artifacts/383ab.jpg
Bronze axe head, notice the nuance of patina from the slightly exposed naked bronze to the deeper shades of greens. The brown is generally ground in micro dirt particles, some of which is bonded into the bronze corrosion. Patina is generally smooth and you won’t find much lumpiness other than when associated items have bonded to the article. http://www.anythinganywhere.com/commerce/relic/pak-axe-40.jpg
This bowl is pretty good, with a slightly cleaned look, with some new corrosion due to recent exposure. Keep in mind the Chinese are masters of counterfeit patina http://www.supplierlist.com/prod_img/qiguoying/21983_Elegant_Ancient_Bronze_Vessel_From_China.jpg
With bronze props, keep in mind soil composition and moisture can effect the patina from greens to blues. Other corrosions present might be reds in some cases. It doesn’t have to fool a professional, but it should be pleasing and consistent with age and situation. With props always under work the patina, because you can go back and tone it down or add additional patina as well. Acrylic paints can be washed on and buffed off in layers easily.
Creepy Michelin poster: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Michelin_Poster_1898.jpg
Very nice. I'm getting a hint of Dogū in this one. Anyone else?
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