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.
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I then complete the painting of the boundary area to the frame and add any finishing touches.
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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!).
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Job done - and on to the next one.
The finished article. Ready to hang on your wall.
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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.
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Red Tarn is outlined in blue - not sure why. I think I was trying to get a view on scale accuracy.
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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.