Rudyard Kipling and Disney
both provided the inspiration for my next creative adventure
which came to me via a small but ambitious FX company that operated out
of Orange County, California - in 1988.
Along with the familiar
characters of Shere Khan, and Kaa, the python, and a number of supporting
characters 'The Jungle Book', was one of those fun projects, found and
conceived on big dreams and very little budget. It was there however, that
I was able to re-introduce my techniques for Papier Mache model work back into
the arena of high tech and over-produced special effects. In fact, the
simplicity and surface glamour of these designs belies the fact that all of
these prototype models were all created over chicken wire armatures, layered
tissue, bogus paper, and paste. The finished models were then sealed and
prepared for Urethane mold work from which Fiber Glass shells were
pulled. From there, the characters were then animated using standard electrical
motors in order to create this larger-than-life fantasy installation
that ultimately gave a miniature golf course a very unique theme.
The painting on these
figures was another challenge for me and required an outdoor paint that would be
UV resistant, durable and water proof. Although limited in
their hue I found the solution in Marine enamels and
once again employed the airbrush to blend the
and subtle but varied toned gradations.
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