In our latest fan creation feature, we take a look at a masterfully crafted bust of Solas by Caroline Lui. A largely self-taught sculptor, Caroline gave us a look at what it takes to bring an infamous Inquisition elf to life in stunning detail.
What made you want to sculpt Solas?
Solas is one of the best-written characters in any work I’ve ever read, watched, or played. I’ve rarely been as captivated by a story as I was by his. From arrogant elf to trusted friend, humble apostate to reluctant enemy, aloof spirit-lover to the most painful love interest in all of Thedas: whichever way you see him, he has so many complex facets that it’s impossible not to be fascinated.
Did you have a concept for the bust?
I wanted his design to express his slight stiffness, his careful reserve, and also his unexpected passion and intensity.
To start the head, I molded and cast a skull I’d sculpted previously in Apoxie Sculpt, a 2-part epoxy clay. I built up the face on top of the skull using small pieces of clay to get the general shapes down quickly. This step is a sketch, and while I was being mindful of resemblance, the goal was more to simply build mass.
After it had cured, I added a “skin” layer of Apoxie, and began carving and sanding everything into place, using an X-Acto knife, calipers for measuring, and flexible, cloth-backed sandpaper.
Once I was reasonably happy with the face, I built up the neck, back of the head, and ears. I leave this for last for ease of handling—half a head is easier than a full one.