The Process of Creating my 3D art
The process of creating my unique 3d art pieces took some considerable effort and experimentation - and with each new piece I find new ways of improving my craft.
I would clarify that I hand make everything for my works other than the labels which are created on a laser cutter. I don't download data files from the internet and plug them into software,
I hand trace my starting images from actual maps, usually Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 for U.K works, and this means there are always slight differences in each piece.
I like to think this makes every piece I make unique - and I always try to do something a little different each time I create a piece - so no two works are ever quite the same.
More details on the process are shown below.
Wastwater under construction
Step 1
Tracing Templates
I usually start with a 1:25,000 walkers map, and create hand drawn templates for each layer of the artwork. Mostly, I work on 50m contours though I have done some works at 10m - which is very labour intense!!
As my eyesight is not getting any better as I get older I wear magnifying lenses = which makes me look like a real artisan I like to think!
Step 2
Cutting & Gluing
Once a template is complete, I create a prototype, and use each template sheet to hand trace and cut each layer, which I then build up gradually.
This is where patience really pays off - and by the end of it I have a rough representation of the topography I'm looking to achieve in the final work.
The picture on the right shows Ullswater during the early stages - most pieces have between 14 -20 layers to place to get the overall finish (50m contours).
Step 3
Assembly & Framing
After some serious trial and error, I have found that it is best to assemble the unfinished piece into its bespoke frame at this point. As the pieces are often deep, I can't use standard frames. The piece is assembled 'raw' and at this point I make any major corrections I need to.
In this piece of Wastwater, I used a recycled frame that I got from a thrift store. The next step was to pour the plaster of paris surround - very messy and stressful! As you can see I painted this one before framing it - a lesson learned on what not to do!
Step 4
Painting & Finishing
With the works now assembled, its time to paint them. First I prime the works fully - usually in black but sometimes white. Depending on the finish I then either hand paint (for map-realistic look) or stylised the contours as with my trademark look - as in the example in the photograph of Ben Nevis.
I then complete the painting of the boundary area to the frame and add any finishing touches.
Then I add the labels that I have made bespoke, using my Sculpfun lazer cutter, assemble the final product and then seal it (I can't say what with - as it's a trade secret!).
Job done - and on to the next one.
The finished article. Ready to hang on your wall.
This is Haweswater and shows 17 Wainwright Fells and Birketts, all individually marked.
Some more photographs of the process to create an original piece of art.
Wastwater painted - this nicely shows the true 3D nature of the pieces that I produce.
Helvellyn and Striding Edge under construction. This piece was based on 10m contours, and was incredibly labour intense.
Red Tarn is outlined in blue - not sure why. I think I was trying to get a view on scale accuracy.
In the background is Malham Cove, at a much earlier stage. Due to the need to cure layers I often work on several pieces at once and my studio is set up with three working areas - which I zip between on a nice swivel chair.