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Xizor's
Smile
featuring the dental stylings of Mr.
Joe Lester
Whilst
on this odyssey to learn the skills to bring my Xizor
to life I encountered the venerable and gracious sculptor and
prosthetics artist Joe Lester. Joe took me under
his wing and continues to school me in the way of Monster
Making. He is a fountain of knowledge and I have yet
to meet another who can reproduce human emotions in sculpture
so faithfully.
Joe
decided he needed to create a set of prosthetic teeth for me,
and I knew just the character I wanted to aim for. In July of
2003 Joe and I met to begin work on the set of teeth after my
design for Prince Xizor. Notably missing from the steps above
is the initial molding process. For this I sat in a chair as
Joe fed me trays with dental alginate. The mold was so accurate
as to capture the taste buds on my tongue.
I.
My quick sketch of the tooth design, formed over a spare casting.
I wanted Xizor's teeth to call back to prehistoric predators
whose teeth fused into a single sharp blade. In this way Xizor's
smile would offer a beguiling row of white while at the same
tyme revealing Xizor's innate and deadly nature.
II.
Joe Lester's initial interpretation of my sketch.
III.
Joe revised his sculpture to incorporate my idea of fused
teeth and added texture to the gum line.
IV.
Joe sculpts the matching bottom set of teeth.
V.
The cast teeth ready for fitting. Joe experiment with a variety
of paint and gloss schemes in order to arrive at a subtle
finish.
VI.
At the final fitting of the teeth, Joe and I discuss casting,
painting, and modeling techniques. The final teeth add a layer
of expert detail to Xizor. I feel now that the mask must be
redesigned to adequately show case this feature.
Persons
interested in custom teeth and appliances might consider veiwing
more of Joe's work at www.imageworksfx.com.
Alternatively one may choose to contact Joe at the following
e-mail address; jlester2000@yahoo.com.
