I used a rather simple armature of pipe and flange with wood crosses hanging from wire. The crosses hold the weight of the clay and the suspended paper core. To build volume, I tightly rolled newspaper and secured the roll with masking tape.
I am sculpting in an oil based clay because the collector wants a smooth finish. The green clay you see is an oil based clay which has a lot of wax in it. I chose it because it is very stiff and will make a smooth finish but also used it in the core because it will quickly harden to add strength to the core. I have to microwave it, then let it cool enough to handle. You have to be very careful to avoid burns.
This clay is not the clay that is fired hard. Once a sculpture is created, molds are taken for casting in other materials like bronze or resin etc. and the clay can be used again. I put the head of the previous sculpture on the table just to make this point. I've had it many years and can't remember the name of it, but it is very firm.
