January 29, 2013 Imperial Beach, CA
Is sculpting a lost art or is it just hidden away? Yes we have all these electronic and computerized ways of creating but the computer must start with something. After walking through Disney's Buena Vista Studios and see an entire room dedicated to sculpted figures I realized just how important the talents and skill of sculpting still remained.
Before an animated film can be made the inital foram and design of the character must be created in a modeled form. Using a clay or polymer to form the figure must be done. The finish piece is then marked, scanned and digitized for the computer animation. The sculpted piece must be a perfect representation of the character or the art will not come out as it should.
Most of the pieces I saw were from 12" to 18" in height and perfect to the eye. Of course I asked if I could take some home for my own collection but Disney didn't appreciate my sense of humor. Pixar, Disney and George Lucas are always looking for talent when it comes to sculptors as there are not that many talented artists out there that practice within this medium. Many who are in this field have yet been able to achieve the detail necessary to accomplish the work that the studios require.
Here in Imperial beach there is one young man whose desire is to make it into the field of sculpting. He is 15 year old Austin Hoffman and attends Mar Vista High School. Along with his imagination and skills, Austin will become one of the best. Each time he sculpts his skills get better and better. His creations become more and more detailed and for those who see his work they realize the talent this young man has.
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