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1. Starting with a clay model, so I can figure out the shape to cut out of the sheet of brass. -
2. The clay model was dipped in molten Dip Seal. The Dip Seal was cut and opened up and used to make a paper pattern. -
3. I wanted the finished piece to be larger than the clay model, so I scanned the first paper pattern and reprinted it in the size I wanted. -
4. The larger paper pattern was cut out and traced onto a piece of 16 gauge brass sheet, which was then cut out and annealed. -
5. This form requires a lot of stretching, so I'm starting out by pushing out with a large ball on a polyurethane pad with the hydraulic press. -
6. Using the raising hammer and stake to continue the forming toward the perimeter. -
7. Hammering the ears to stretch them around the curve where they meet the head. -
8. Using the stake shown in the inset to stretch the outer part of the curve of the trunk. -
9. After all that hammering, the metal is work-hardened, and needs to be annealed. -
10. After annealing, the metal is soft enough to press again. -
11. Using the ball stake shown on the left with the heavy planishing hammer to fill out the form of the head. -
12. I made the tool shown on the left to shape the curved crease dividing the ear from the head. -
13. Another tool I made for this project, for shaping and rounding out the trunk. -
14. Using that same tool rotated 180° to work on the underside of the trunk. -
15. More hammering on the ears.