FAQ

How much does a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture cost?

Since each BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is hand sculpted from scratch, the price depends upon a variety of factors. There are basically five main components, and they are as follows;

a) The base cost (the starting price for all mechanical sculptures)
b) The animations desired.
c) The complexity of design. (the actual sculpting, creating the attire, mechanical configurations, control setups, etc).
d) Whether the sculpture is to be "fixed" or "freestyle" in design.
e) Whether the sculpture is to be created from wood or using the two stage process (recommended).

For more information on pricing, please refer to the "pricing and options" page.

What is the difference between "fixed" and "freestyle"?

FIXED: This type of BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is a caricature based on a particular person, animal or fantasy figure. They are created by using strict guidelines such as drawings or photographs as reference materials. If sketches are required I call upon the skills of celebrated cartoonist Joel Barbee. These sketches are submitted to the client for approval. This method allows the client to get a basic idea of how the final sculpture will appear when finished.

FREESTYLE: Far and away, the most popular type of BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures.
Freestyle sculptures are created by the client submitting a brief (usually only five or six sentences) description of the characters traits. These traits include the gender, age, general personality and disposition (quirks). I take this information and combine it with the research I have conducted on the client, to see if there is enough chemistry to inspire me to create the sculpture. Their unique creation allows the character the freedom to create itself, since there are no guidelines to dictate how it should look. A freestyle mechanical sculpture involves trust and patience from both the client and me. It is extremely important to erase any pre-conceived visuals of how the final sculpture should appear. With freestyle, neither then client, nor myself know what the final sculpture will look like until it has been finished.

What is the difference between carved wood and "two stage" process?

Carved wood is exactly what it implies. BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures carved from wood are considerably more expensive, due to the additional time involved and type of wood used. Clients who desire a mechanical figure carved from wood usually desire a more traditional look and feel. Keep in mind that carved wood figures do appear different than their "two stage" counterparts. Take a look at the "gallery page" for a better idea on how they differ in appearance. As of Jan. 1st, 2007, I plan to retire from carving wood on a commission basis.

The "two stage" process involves a 2 part epoxy/resin. When mixed properly they form a pliable (clay like) compound, which has a few hours of sculpting time before it cures into a rigid and extremely hard material.

Since I consider myself more a sculptor than a wood carver, I personally prefer the "two-stage" process. Sculpting with my hands allows me thee freedom to pull out more of the characters personality, which emerges during the sculpting phase of construction. Due to its rigid properties, sculptures created using the "two stage" process are more delicate in nature. However, proper care and common sense when handling and traveling will ensure a life, which is just as long (if not longer) than their carved wood counterparts.

What is it like to handle a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture?

First of all it is VERY important to remember that my mechanical sculptures are not ventriloquist figures (although I am honored that some of the worlds best entertainers choose to use them as such). When you see a performer with one of my mechanical sculptures, you are witnessing the manipulation of an actual "one of a kind" work of art.

BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures are unique in every sense of the word, and their operational characteristics take some time to practice and master. Their enormous heads and small "penguin style" bodies take some getting used to, but once basic manipulation is mastered, the results are hilarious. The controls are also unique (with various setups to choose from). These controls will take a period of patience to become proficient. Familiarity and patience will payoff in a multitude of facial animations and movements.

How long does a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture take to complete?

The actual creation time for each BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is different for each piece and depends upon a variety of factors.

I begin by reviewing a concept submitted by an individual (and all the options requested) and see if it inspires me in some way. I then make the decision if it is something I would like to invest the time and energy into sculpting, and formulate a price estimate. When the estimate is approved by the client, a time frame is reserved to start the project by making a non refundable deposit (usually ½ the estimated price). It must be understood that I cannot reserve a time frame without receiving a deposit. Doing so would not be fair to my other clients. More information on the deposit and option choices can be found on the "pricing and options" page.

The time it takes for the actual sculpting process depends primarily upon inspiration. Sometimes the inspiration is relentless and I work till I drop, while other projects need to be set aside for a while, until I am inspired to work upon them again. I DO NOT work on any BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures unless inspired to do so. They are pieces of functional art, built entirely from scratch and cannot be rushed or forced in any way. Some mechanical sculptures have been created in as little as 8-12 weeks, while others have taken 12 months (or longer in some cases). Whatever the case, each BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is very special and they must be allowed to dictate the course of their own creation. The actual sculpting time on each is the same and ever sculpture receives the same amount of care and quality in their creation. I am extremely careful not to rush the process in any way.

How is the attire/clothing created?

Just like the head and hands, the clothing is literally sculpted onto the bodies of all BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures (with the exceptions of some earlier works). I discovered that sculpting and customizing the attire results in a better overall effect for the character and personality of the piece. Each article of clothing on current BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures is carefully applied on a layer of adhesive, while the wrinkles and details are painstakingly sculpted into place. While some accessories are purchased, most are hand sculpted. The process of creating and sculpting the perfect attire/clothing is just as intensive as the actual sculpting of the character itself.

What is meant by a time frame and a waiting list?

A time frame is a block of time set aside to BEGIN the creation process. It is important to understand that each BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is actually a piece of functional art. Thusly, I can only create a precious few per year. I prefer to work on two or three sculptures during any particular time, as this enables me to move from one project to another (keeping the inspiration process fresh for each project). However, I receive concept submissions all the time and am forced to select only those which inspire me enough to dedicate the time and labor required to create them. When I take on more than the few I am currently working on, a waiting list results. A deposit reserves a time frame, so it is strongly advised to order far in advance to ensure adequate time to complete the sculpture.

Who are the clients for BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures?

My clients mostly consist of private art collectors, corporate interior designers and large and small businesses seeking original displays, and the finest entertainers and performers from around the world.

Art collectors and designers come to me because they desire my highly stylized look and feel of my sculptures, which enhance any environment with originality and a sense of elegance.

Entertainers and performers come to me because they desire my unique approach and methods of creating "signature" sculptures, which are tailor made exclusively for them. "Figure makers" usually offer a "line" of similar characters, which are either duplicates, pre-casted or replicated by using a machine that carves a duplicate from an original. Still others simply take an existing figure and "modify its features to create what they call "original". Whatever the case, the figures still remain simply one in a line of similar figures. I DO NOT use any pre-casted parts or molds and do not usually refer to my sculptures as "figures" (although it does come in handy when talking to performers and entertainers). My creations are one of a kind, mechanical sculptures.

Although used by the worlds best performers, my BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures are pieces of sculptural art and should be treated as such. This is very important and should be considered by each client before ordering. The words "one-of-a-kind" means exactly that…. One of a kind sculptures.

What if a client does not like the final sculpture?

I include this question because it is an honest one. My success as an artist depends a lot on the happiness of my clients. However, art is very subjective at times and my sculptures are literally pieces of mechanical art. It is important that each client fully understand my signature style, technique and method of approach to my sculptures. All BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures are spontaneous and therefore free to dictate the course of their own creation. It is best to understand that each client is actually investing in my imagination in 3-dimensional form. Each artist has their own style and how they interpret what is requested. Since the deposit is nonrefundable, I strongly urge anyone considering a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture to examine all of my sculptures on the gallery page and make sure that my "style" and methods are what they truly desire.

Are BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures your full time occupation?

Creating BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures are one facet of my artistic ventures. I have been an artist all my life and it is how I make a living (my other artistic endeavors can be found on the home page of this site). The actual cost of a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture rarely (if ever) comes close to justifying the long hours and tremendous amount of labor that goes into creating each sculpture from scratch. I am able to offer mechanical sculptures at these prices because I rally enjoy the creative process. If I ever lose the passion, I will stop making them. I believe this is why each BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture is so unique in appearance. They are truly created from a deep love and respect for the art.

How does someone order a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture?

I strongly recommend anyone interested in ordering a mechanical sculpture to carefully read and fully understand all the appropriate pages on this website (dedicated to BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures). My style, methods and approach to creating these sculptures is radical to say the least. If considering a "freestyle" sculpture, the most important step is to erase any pre-conceived visuals of how the figure should look. Neither the client nor I have any idea of what the sculpture will look like until it has been finished. There are no previews given as the sculpture continually changes during the creation process.

BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures are a considerable investment and the purchase is actually the commissioning of art from me. Once a client has read and fully understands the entire concept of BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures, they can then submit a concept for consideration.

When submitting a concept for possible consideration, please type in the following code into the subject heading of the email.

64077A

I ask this, as it gives me a way to see how many prospective clients actually have taken the time to read all the information on this site, before contacting me.

What types of concepts have a better chance of being created?

That is completely up to the client, but I love challenging ones... But that answer may be too simplistic. A LOT depends upon all the variables involved. I can honestly say that the most simple sounding concepts end up being the most challenging and producing the best results.

It is important to understand that I can only create a precious few sculptures per year. This means I am forced to choose those that inspire me the most. The best submissions are those that are brief and center on the concept in a few sentences. It is also important to understand that over the years, I have received virtually every character concept imaginable.

In addition to this, and to assist me in my careers as an actor, writer and artist, I created a large database of characters, traits, professions, personalities and quirks. This database can be cross referenced to create an endless combination of character concepts. I say this, because I do not want to receive a concept submission from anyone, who later may claim that I took their idea, because something similar was created. Artists, writers, etc, always end up creating something that someone claims to have already thought of (it is inevitable). As a writer, I learned this lesson many times over.

A lot more goes into creating a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture, than just submitting a concept. I carefully match up the concept to each client and determine the amount of chemistry the project has when both are combined. It is the combination of concept, client, imagination and inspiration that results in a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture. An "old man" concept results in a generic old man sculpture. But look at the gallery page and you will see examples of the "old man" concept, where each is entirely different. It all comes down to inspiration.

Another factor is my style is to find perfection in "imperfections". There are no perfect faces, and attempting to create perfect proportions and even features, always results in the sculpture appearing 'doll like". Just like real people, my sculptures have their imperfections…. It is what makes them so unique.

1) How much does a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture cost?
2) What is the difference between "fixed" and "freestyle"?
3) What is the difference between carved wood and the two stage process?
4) What is it like to handle a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture?
5) How long does it take to complete a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture?
6) How is the attire/clothing created?
7) What is meant by a time frame and a waiting list?
8) Who are the clients for BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures?
9) What types of control systems are there?
10) What if a client does not like the final sculpture?
11) Are BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures your full time occupation?
12) How does someone order a BIGHEAD mechanical sculpture?
13) What kind of concepts have a better chance of being created?
14) A final word about my "one-of-a-kind" mechanical sculptures.

What types of control systems are there?

The actual combinations and possibilities are limitless. I have designed a myriad of designs, yet three remain the most popular for BIGHEAD mechanical sculptures.

a) The traditional headstick design.
b) The "Vaudeville pistol grip".
c) The "headstick free" design.

For more information on these and other control configurations, please refer to the pricing and options page of this website.