In 2003 the Utah Jazz commissioned Brian to create 1-½ life size sculptures of
John Stockton and Karl Malone for their home arena, the Delta Center.
The project includes several phases; first, half-lifesize versions
of the final pieces are created, then the full 1-½ life size sculpture,
and finally a miniature version. The half-lifesize sculpture of John Stockton
is completed, and the 1-½ lifesize version is nearing completion.
This page details the progress on the statues of John Stockton. To see the work for
Karl Malone, please go to his page.
Measuring
Going into the project, extensive measurement took place.
Brian is known for his meticulous nature. |
Photo by Scott Frederick
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Building Armature
Here, the frame is built on which the clay will be shaped. The armature gives
essential rigidity to the clay, while allowing for adjustments in position.
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Photo by Kent Horner
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Progress
The form slowly develops.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Further along
The rough clay is built and smoothed into human shape. Brian makes many of his own
specialty tools.
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Photo by Kent Horner
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Clay Finished
The finishing touches are added to John Stockton.
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Photo by Kent Horner
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Bigger than life
Finishing touches are put on the 1 1/2 life size clay model.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Full size
The studio is dominated by the 1-½ size clay model.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Mold for shoe
Once the clay model is built, a series of molds are made from it.
These molds are then filled with bronze. This red-hot mold of John Stockton's shoe
is ready to be filled.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Wax face
There are actually two molds made for each part. An initial, soft mold is made from the sculpture, then filled with wax.
A final mold which can withstand the heat of molten bronze is built around the wax. Once the mold is built, the wax is melted
to leave the hollow for the bronze.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Pouring bronze
Bronze is poured into a mold.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Rough castings
A few freshly cast pieces of John Stockton lay waiting to be welded
together.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Welding torso
The various pieces that have been cast must be welded together. Here
John's torso comes together.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Coming together
Slowly, the welded pieces come together to create a full statue.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Grinding welds
The welding leaves rough edges, all of which must be carefully reshaped.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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Applying patina
After the bronze has been fully shaped, it still has a very raw appearance. A lengthy and detailed chemical treatment is required to create the attractive surface, called the patina.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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John with finished piece
John poses with his doppelganger.
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Photo by Scott Frederick
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On location
A completed John Stockton makes an assist.
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Photo by Brett Wright
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