This fighter sculpture with it's alien pilot, forms part of the outer space squadron. I built it using straight flat metal fabrication, heated oxidized titanium, casting, and plique-a-jour enamel.
The pilot cockpit is fitted with gemstone set controls.
The giant Hercules beetle shape formed the foundation of this sculpture added to that a dash of my own interpretation.
It started off with a 1 mm plate of brass bent it into a teardrop shape.
Also the basis for the head and eyes is worked on.
Next, the ground work for the alien cockpit is done, completing the basis of the sculpture.
A unique twist of the tongue, which is made out of 6 mm heat forged mild steel.
The top of the wings are made out of 1 mm titanium sheet and the bottom are made out of 1 mm copper sheet.
The 1mm half round brass border accentuate the sharp angular curved edges.
The taili and rudder are also made with titanium and copper sheets.
In designing the shape and size of the wings and tail section, I had to consider the size and balance in relation to the body and heead.
At the same time the legs, made out of 6 mm round brass stock and undercarriage had to be worked on.
The legs connect to a central box and are held in place with stainless steel cap screws.
I inlayed crushed Lapis Lazuli in a silver cloisonne surround.
First, I pierced out the silver, then riveted it to a brass background, which is then fitted to the top mandible.
The front hook is made out of iron and the collar is made out of silver set with Sandawana emeralds.
The rear eye surround is also made out of iron.
The alien pilot. First a little sketch in Plasticine to get the feel.
Then a wax model for casting. I do my own casting.
The alien pilot is now cast in silver but still unfinished.
I made some plique-a-jour wings for the pilot.
The first layer of glass enamel, packed and ready for firing.
I also pavé set gemstones in his chest and emeralds in his eyes.
The control sticks have two sapphires, that I faceted and set into them.
This is the rear body section accent made from silver, Lapis Lazuli and red jasper.
The legs and undercarriage shaped, polished, finished and ready to be assembeled.
I wanted to set gemstones in the eye surround, so I soldered silver plate on top of the brass rings.
Pavé set aquamarine, peridot, blue topaz, amethyst and garnet. I painted the two eyes with acrylic paint.
The base of the display case has a inner ridge of crushed Malachite
I used gold colored foil, marking the Beetle shape to indicate the parking spot.
I also added resin and glow powder to make it look wet with an otherworldly glow.
Beetle Fighter ready to join the squadron.
