PART FOUR: THE DETAILING 2007-2009 

• Creating The Detailed Model for Mouthpiece and Horn

Again, the shape of the horn is critical, since everyone knows what it should look like. Creating additional partial models of the most difficult portions (such as the mouthpiece, the valves and the horn’s bell) help insure that the end product will be aligned and shaped accurately.

• Shaping the Details

Over and over again, the shape is formed by cuting closer and closer to the desired shape. This process takes a great deal of patience to ensure that all the lines work well in harmony with each other. One line is worked, then another, and another. After a time away from the piece, one returns with a new vision and can see problems in the line and form that earlier appeared to be perfect. The whole image must be supported by the placement of each separate horizon line.  So, an adjustment in one area almost always requires corresponding adjustments in many other places.

• Adding Dynamic Twist for Motion

Once the basic shape is formed, one sits back and considers the questions, “In what ways could I add movement and energy into the mix?”  “In what ways could I streamline the form to give it more light and life?” Letting the project sit for a few weeks often increases one's understanding of the changes that would add more beauty and grace to the sculpture.

• Creating the Head and Comb

Determining the Shape

Even after all the preparation and work on shaping the piece, some important details remain open for later decision-making. In this case, the shape of the head and comb were already formed. However, no determination regarding ornamentation had yet been reached.

Determining the Musical Design Elements

Several detailed musical notations were considered for the comb. It seemed that they might add an element of mystery and humor. However, in the end, to match the simplicity of the rest of the piece, the comb was left plain, without additional design elements.

Aligning the Posture

The posture and alignment of the head communicates the mood of the piece. Therefore, the alignment receives renewed attention at each stage of the process.

• Cleaning and Straightening the Lines

Thought we were done?  No, not yet. Once again, the lines are checked for clean edges and straight visual expression. Always low dips and high spots seem to appear overnight when no one was looking. Yep, they all have to be fixed. Ah, go do something else for a while and come back again in a few weeks renewed and refreshed.

• Cleaning and Sharpening the Horn Bell and Valves

Thought they were round? Well, in a vague way, they were. Put perfect round felt circles over the valves, however, and oops, the closer look reveals yet more wobbles that need tweaking, sharpening, and edging.

NEXT

KOKOPHILI: PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6