Personal IP
Zodiac
Monster
Behind the Scenes
The fun part of a piece like this is deciding how much of each animal’s anatomical structures and features to use. Where they’re very different, you decide which set of characteristics to rely on primarily. I split the difference on the legs—with hind being more goatlike and the front legs more like a monkey’s—plus I stood him upright. Those legs and two-legged stance do make him seem a bit demonic; but since he’s an incarnation of me, I’m ok with it. I guess the horns and facial appearance lean into that imagery as well. Like I said, I’m ok with it.
The sculpt is unfinished. I was still figuring out how to use this new medium. The wonderful thing about it is that I can always go back and work in more detail, whether by carving it in, layering in more material or sanding and rasping in different textures. I know I will; I just like this creature for some reason.
Zodiac Monster: River Goat/Monkey Hybrid
When I first decided to dedicate myself to generating one-of-a-kind editions, I researched many materials, examining their properties and testing them for their durability and ease of use, before deciding to go with the Apoxie Clay product by Aves. I wanted the first piece I attempted to make with this new material to serve as true test of its viability—though more so, my connection with it and ability to sufficiently dominate it to make the things I imagine. This hybridized creature, which makes me think of the cool animal mashups featured in the Avatar cartoons, was an idea I had rolling around my head for many years (well before those shows were ever created), ever since I learned I was born on the cusp of the lunar new year—so I’m equal parts river goat and monkey. And so is this guy.
Developmental Art
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Let’s make something amazing together
Please note, all Manifest Sculpt work is completed with traditional sculpting techniques—modelling and carving—rather than through modern digital techniques and programs. Consequently, the resin and bronze castings in this edition were also produced through traditional mold making and manufacturing processes. Final Manifest Sculpt commissions are available in a variety of materials, but they are not 3D printed and are not available as printable files. Copyright Notice: all work, including ideation, concepts, stories and their development, character design and production are the property of Carlos Soca unless otherwise noted, and all rights are reserved. Should you wish to discuss collaboration or licensing of an intellectual property or its design, please contact Manifest Sculpt.