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    Mountain Shadows

    Random Gallery Mountain Shadows, More about this →


    • Welcome to a virtual studio visit. Documented here are some processes that might be of interest or might be somewhat unique to my work. Sometimes I will be asked about a particular technique or idea and will share it here. Log in to post questions about anything in the comments section below each post. If there's an aspect of my practice you have a question about, don't hesitate to ask me. You can comment or use the contact page. If you would like updates about any exhibitions or other news, sign up for my newsletter.


  • Painted Janus

    Painted Janus

    Tom Estlack: Sunday, May 31, 2020


    This sculpture is part of a piece called Enantiodromia: Janus on the Half Pipe. I was never satisfied with how this element came together. Initially, I started a slush cast, intending to clean debris out of the mold. However, I had so many other things going on in preparation for an exhibition that ...

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  • Sculpting with Chavant NSP Clay

    Sculpting with Chavant NSP Clay

    Tom Estlack: Saturday, November 3, 2018


    I want to share with you some techniques for working with non-sulfurated plasticine clay. It doesn't have sulfur. So "NSP," the S stands for sulfur. The whole idea is that you want to avoid sulfur being a part of your working process because it's a chemical that doesn't cooperate very well with sili...

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  • Armageddon 2112 Part 1

    Armageddon 2112 Part 1

    Tom Estlack: Thursday, September 29, 2016


    "Armageddon 2112" is a film project that began in 1997. It seems to be manifesting with no end in sight. This project has gone through a number of iterations; from a sound installation, to a crude script, it existed as a super-8 film, it was a video element in a sculptural installation. Finally It s...

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  • Application and Removal of Gelatin Prosthetics

    Application and Removal of Gelatin Prosthetics

    Tom Estlack: Friday, September 16, 2016


    Thanks for stopping by. This demo is a follow-up to a prosthetic makeup workshop. Here, you will find a tutorial on applying, color, and removing prosthetic gelatin makeup appliances using professional special effects (SFX) materials. There are numerous places on the internet where you can learn how...

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  • Janus bust

    Janus bust

    Tom Estlack: Saturday, April 16, 2016


    I became interested in this symbol. The Roman god "Janus" represents transitions or 'thresholds.' I first used this image in a sculpture called Test Subject 3. Upon investigating the symbol further, I found out that there are associations with Janus's temple and its gates being open during times of ...

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  • Making Interactive Parts

    Making Interactive Parts

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, September 30, 2015


    I've had it with my improvised approach to interactive sculpture. I am wanting to get back into doing some work with deliberately interactive features. This process requires more engineering. As of right now, I am developing a way to cast roller bearings and gears on an as-needed basis. Doing this w...

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  • Obama Sculpture

    Obama Sculpture

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, August 12, 2015


    I have begun making portrait caricatures of 20th and 21st century U.S. presidents in preparation for an interactive/kinetic sculpture installation. Initially, I was interested in exploring the "Earth Mother" archetypes and the exploitative nature of contemporary governments. I am also interested in...

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  • Interactive Classroom

    Interactive Classroom

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, May 13, 2015


    This painting grew from my concern over digital media and its inclusion in the classroom to reach a wider range of students. I first became aware of the "interactive classroom" (as it was called) in the early '90s. The "interactive classroom" was a pilot program in public schools. During a time when...

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  • Zombie Goggles

    Zombie Goggles

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, October 1, 2014


    Recently I was asked how these goggles (from Advice for Young Executives) were made. I said I would provide some kind of information on here about them. I used to teach, so I habitually go into excessive detail about whatever the topic might be. But I'll try to keep this as simple as possible. The...

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  • Witch Makeup

    Witch Makeup

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, July 31, 2013


    The images here are sculptures for a witch prosthetic. It's being repurposed for use in a video installation piece. Here also are some shots of details and textures on this makeup. It has since been sectioned, and molds have been made. I had to shelf this one to focus on some other things lately. Bu...

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  • Billy 2 Process

    Billy 2 Process

    Tom Estlack: Tuesday, July 10, 2012


    Testing out a theory I had about the texture and surface of a prop used in the film "Alien." This version of Billy the Test Subject is an Ultracal 30 shell cast with gray acrylic paint and acrylic matte medium layered one over the other. Then polyurethane over that. On top of that is my wax formula ...

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  • Pterodactyls in Times Square

    Pterodactyls in Times Square

    Tom Estlack: Wednesday, December 12, 2007


    Erin Barbour, the composer, initiated the collaboration on this piece. The original score was sent to me, along with subsequent revisions, during the writing process, and I would upload sample renders of animation sequences and still frame sketches online. The whole collaboration was done online and...

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  • Synesthesia 1

    Synesthesia 1

    Tom Estlack: Tuesday, October 9, 2007


    "Synesthesia" pieces are often musical-film works conceived with a focus on the senses of sight and sound. These works can be performed only by individuals who are practiced in the visual and musical arts. These images are examples of performances, rehearsals, and installations of synesthesia works...

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  • Categories

    • Synesthesia
      • Pterodactyls in Times Square
      • Synesthesia 1
    • SFX Makeup
      • Application and Removal of Gelatin Prosthetics
      • Zombie Goggles
      • Witch Makeup
    • sculpture
      • Painted Janus
      • Sculpting with Chavant NSP Clay
      • Janus bust
      • Making Interactive Parts
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  • Chronology

    • 2020's
      Painted Janus
    • 2010's
      Sculpting with Chavant NSP ClayArmageddon 2112 Part 1Application and Removal of Gelatin ProstheticsJanus bustMaking Interactive PartsObama SculptureInteractive ClassroomZombie GogglesWitch MakeupBilly 2 Process
    • 2000's
      Pterodactyls in Times SquareSynesthesia 1
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    Tom Estlack - Bethel Park, PA

    email: tom@estlack.com


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