Initial Rendering, Gouache and pencil on paper 14 x 19.5″, 2011
Mood sketch, Gouache, ink and pencil on paper 14 x 19.″ 2011
Final rendering, Gouache, ink and pencil on paper 14 x 19.5″ 2011
First I cast my own hand to have something to work from.
This is the big styrofoam block I ordered. I draw a grid onto the block and then map out the hand.
Cutting fingers.
I use the big Hand saw to cut the fingers.
Now I start carving into the block by copying all the forms from the cast of my hand.
First trial with my body and the undergarments of the dress.
This is crazy hard work, but fun!
I feel so small next to it!
In order to be able to pull this heavy load the piece has to fit the curve of my body perfectly!
The hand attaches to the body with a tight fitting corset.
With this perfect weight distribution it doesn't feel heavy at all!
Marina has become an indispensable friend and helper in this!!
From all the hard work I developed a bad case of tendonitis. So I searched for help on craigslist. Gabriel appeared like an angel in need within an hour!
Spraying it with a first coat of primer.
Now the final coat of paint.
This is the initial shape of the chest piece.
Now I insert the teeth into the chest piece. They will help her devour anything in sight!
That's about right!
First trial with hand, undergarments, chest piece and song together.
Now I have to make a mold of that perfectly finished chest piece.
Casting process with silicone rubber.
A little pouch in the cleavage with hold some glitter hearts to toss into the air while on her walk.
This effective push up technique is inspired by the Victoria's Secret Wonder Bra!
Her breasts reach almost all the way down to the floor!
Back to the hand I am now making a mold for each finger nail!
Each nail will be cast over these molds.
My friend Jon Perry made a set of wheels for the big hand. Here I am trying them out for the first time.
Here are the finger nails freshly painted fire engine red.
All the nails are attached!
Finally she can step into the light of the public!
Display at the entrance of the Austrian Cultural Institute New York. September 2011
Display at the entrance of the Austrian Cultural Institute New York. September 2011
Even on the night of the opening I am still sewing the hemline!
My mother who flew in from Switzerland just for 24 hours has to help out with that endlessly long hemline.