Sculpting a portrait: Madiba

Nelson Mandela, clay model for bronze

Commissioned by Glasgow City Council

My aim in sculpting a portrait is to try to capture something of the essence of the sitter. Each change of viewpoint, each modification of light is designed to reveal a different aspect of the sitter.

Working methods

Working on Nelson Mandela for Glasgow City Chambers, it is perhaps easier to see from the worked clay how the finished product comes about. The treatment of the textures and shadows is paramount.

Summerhall TV in Edinburgh filmed the creating of this piece
from the initial stages to the unveiling ceremony in Glasgow
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