Human head sculpted in clay, completed model

Photograph of a completed human head anatomically modelled in clay after it had been hollowed and fired. The model is viewed from the front (anterior view) but was created by the sculptor working from behind (posterior view) primarily by touch. Once the cranium was completed, the sculptor continued to work from the front to add the major facial muscles, features and skin. By carefully pressing these against the bone, they took on their anatomical shape without further modelling required. This image forms part of a series of work titled "Stranger than a Wolf" showing the gradual anatomical creation of a human head in clay. For the entire process (forming the cranial bone structure and placing the facial muscles, features and skin) see related images. As a reference, a male human skull was chosen from the Panum Collection, Copenhagen. Sculptor Ellie Scheepens was asked to reproduce it with attention to comparison and touch, and without viewing the front of the head and face (anterior view) at all. This unique method of forensic modelling was directed throughout the process by artist Heather Spears. Concept: artist, writer and educator Heather Spears. Sculpture: Ellie Scheepens. Photography: Stig Holmberg.