One of the first steps Clayton takes in creating a sculpture is to make an armature which can support the clay in place. Without an armature, the weight of clay can mount up enough to sag or distort from its intended position. Of course in order to make an armature correctly, Clayton must have the dimensions of the final sculpture in mind. The basis of the armature needs to be strong and unlikely to bend, such as metal pipes. Volume can be added by attaching Styrofoam® and appendages by adding twisted wire. Pictured is the armature for a life size turkey vulture Clayton has just started.
