ARTWORK PROGRESS armature and wire mesh application

Rationale
The following contains a brief, step by step process of the armature construction for the final sculpture

Rebar frame


Step 1: preperation
Note the table in the top right hand background. On that table is a template of a human figure which uses the dimentions of my own body. These dimentions were marked out onto the steel rebar lengths (10mm thick 5m long) (left side of image) and preperation for cutting with an angle grinder were made.






Step 2: Legs and back
The first two lengths of rebar were bent into shape for the left and right hand leg and lower back. These were then welded together using an arc welder.






Step 3: Head
Two pieces of rebar were bent into the shape of a human head and neck, The previously welded legs were then laid down so the 'spine' was flat on the ground. The head was then welded to the spine




Step 4: Arms
Both the arms were then cut. The lengths were from the shoulder joint to the hand. These lengths were then welded together with an additional piece of rebar added for strength and to increase the welding surface area. (there is the likelihood that someone will sit on the figures lap so the arms need to be capable of taking the weight) These arms are then welded to the spine and to the points of intersection of the legs.



Step 5: Welding the form together
All of the previous welds were spot welds, these were then properly welded in preperation for adding mesh.





Mesh application

Step 1:Preperation
 A roll of 10mm hexagon mesh is laid out over the top of the figire template allowing 7ft of wire
A pair of fine wire cutters was used in this process as well as a roll of 1mm guage wire for tying to the rebar armature





Step 2:
The armature is placed ontop of the mesh and template




Step 3: Mesh application on arms and head
The first application of the mesh is on the arms and head. This was achieved by a cut across the shoulder line of the wire to the neck line and up the inside of the arm.





Step 4:Legs
The mesh is then cut from the base to the groin and wrapped around the legs and molded to shape.




Step 5: Forming
The wire mesh is then molded to the required shape, paying attention to the folds in the legs and shape of the feet.







Step 6: Torso application
Due to the process used the chest cavity is empty at this point. A secondary sheet of wire the total length of the template was cut. This was then folded in half vertically then horizontally twice. Doing this will provide a dense wire form for the concrete to adhere to.





Step 7: Refining the form
once all the wire mesh has been applied to the armature, tie wire is used to attach it to the armature. And the wire is bent to the desired shape.
At this stage it is important to refine the form as much as possible as the concrete will only be 1/2 inch outside the wire mesh when applied.