About the Process
Kerri Pajutee's miniature animal sculptures begin by sketching a 1:12 scale template combined with real-life reference photographs. Depending on the size and pose of the sculpture, it may be necessary to construct an armature for support. To replicate larger animals, armature is fashioned from copper wire and aluminum foil wrapped in masking tape. For smaller sculptures like a 1:12 scale cat, the armature consists of fine gauge wire that is delicately inserted into the legs, neck and tail.
Kerri hand-builds her sculptures in stages using polymer clay and employing both addition and subtraction techniques. Once a basic sculpt is formed, it’s placed in the oven and baked for about 9 minutes to partially cure the clay to a leather-hard consistency. Details are carved and refined in the baked clay using micro tools such as scalpels, burrs, or carbide scrapers. The eyes are inset securely into hollowed-out sockets and consist of onyx beads or handcrafted UV resin. The sculpture’s surface is smoothed with fine-grit sandpaper and a paintbrush dipped in 99% isopropyl alcohol prior to being placed in the oven for a final curing of the clay.
After curing, the sculpture is bathed in warm soapy water to remove any residue. The animal figure will be detailed in Genesis heat-set paints or acrylics to closely match the basic coat color(s) and highlight the eyelids, nose leather, lips, etc. Once painting is complete, the sculpture is permanently ‘dressed’ in a lifelike coat of applied natural fibers. Some of Kerri’s favorite fibers include brushed/combed alpaca, wool, cashmere, mohair, cotton or silk.
The texture and length of coat will determine the type of fiber used. To replicate medium to long coats, small chunks of fiber are methodically applied to the sculpt (layer by overlapping layer) with tweezers and glue. For short coats, a 'flock' (fiber that has been cut to a powder-fine consistency) is gently pressed onto the wet glue surface using a fingertip. When replicating birds, the addition of cut-to-size feathers are combined with flock made from fine wool, silk or cotton thread.
Once the fiber coat is complete, details are added by hand using a fine paintbrush and professional heat-set artist inks to closely replicate delicate spots, stripes, or rosette patterns onto the coat.
Lastly, the fiber coat is carefully combed, trimmed and shaped with razor-scissors and spray-sealed with a fine mist of non-yellowing artist fixative to set the fiber and minimize shedding.
The entire process from inspiration to final scissor clip is tedious, exacting, and requires numerous hours to complete, but, the time investment is well worth the effort.
“The difference between 'good' and 'great' lies in the details”