Builder Deus Otiosus presents a fascinating model in the “Wandering Tombshell” shown below. The tiny classical city on top of a well-proportioned turtle’s shell comes as an interesting surprise.
Not only did I ask Deus to help me understand this turtle a little better, but I also asked him to share a few thoughts on Tyler Clites’ popular disply, “Elementary My Dear Bilbo.”
The Turtle
I enjoyed the turtle because it left a lot of room for my imagination. Pieces jutting from the core at every angle leave me wandering how he pulled it off. Robotic, organic, and architectural all at once, I see it from many perspectives.
Deus says the 4×4 octagonal bar plates at the center of the turtle were the key to this build. These versatile pieces gave him plenty of locations to clip his scene to.
Using clips also gave him the flexibility of leaning buildings which added to the organic look of the model.
Risky Decisions
Deus sees building as a series of decisions. When he saw Tyler Clites’ models of Sherlock Holmes and Bilbo Baggins, Deus saw a series of risky decisions which resulted in a masterful model.
– “Elementary My Dear Bilbo” by Tyler Clites –
When I pressed him for a better understanding of these “risky decisions,” Deus didn’t disappoint. Perhaps the unconventional choices in the Holmes model make him even more appealing to fans of the build.
For example, the space between Holmes’ nose and chin is a giant rectangle. Although that may sound boring, it is important to the detective’s expression.
Also, his cheek bones are extreme. But the sharp angle of the upside-down slopes intensifies the man’s glare.
The plate at the base of Holmes’ nose is narrow – perhaps too narrow. But the contrast in thin and long features add to the suspense that a detective ought to carry wherever he goes.
As for Bilbo, this guys face is just delightful. However, his leaning head rests on an off-center neck. Allowing himself to shift from center, Tyler brought Bilbo’s shoulders into his overall expression and knocked that bust out of the park.
The Takeaway
Art involves risk. If you’re in a rut, try doing something you have always been afraid to do.
Question: What techniques on these models would you have been afraid to try? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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