Koi bronze - nishikigoi bronze sculpture

Caesr works on the pelvic fins of his 14" koi

The fins are being created using a heat pen to melt and form the clay over the aluminum flashing. I chose to use flashing because of the delicate nature of the fins. Without the proper armature support the fins would just continue to present problems. The sculpture needs to be tough enough to go through the mold making process. Moreover, foundries will usually insist that the artist use aluminum armatures in case they need to cut the sculpture in section to create multi part molds.

Once the fins are detailed, they are attached to the body. The pelvic fins on here were incorrect; therefore, I later removed them and re-sculpted them.

The correct pelvic fins are shown here

More views of the pectoral (fins closest to the head) and the correct pelvic fins

The koi sculpture needs to rest on a bed of bubble wrap in order to prevent the fins from breaking.

A profile of the koi, the pose will remain as is...

koi clay sculpture is turned up side down for better view

The koi on its back reveals areas that still need further detail.

Another view of the areas that need more work. These areas will be smooth out using dental tools and a heat lamp.

The koi has gone to bed for now...

good night...

fin correction - the way fins attach to body

A viewer with a keen eye brought it to my attention that the way the fins connect to the body is incorrect. The pectoral fins need correction; the pelvic fins need to be better defined.

Below are three videos of the Nishiki Koi Club critiquing the three Koi sculptures in order to correct any confirmation errors. Moreover, one of the members (Pam Spindola ) is koi judge; therefore, I trust her keen eye.