Life size 1:1 replica bust statue of Lurtz from The Lord of the Rings – Fellowship of the Ring
Lurtz was probably the star of the first film in the trilogy – after the humans of course. I started by collecting images of him from the movie as reference to work from. After and a pose/expression decided on, the first thing to do was build a steel armature on to which water based clay could applied. Over the next two weeks, most attention was given to sculpting the head to create a good likeness. Once I was happy, skin detailing finished it off, and the clay sculpture was moulded in fibreglass. Out of this a silicone skinned head on a fibreglass torso was created, and the head painted in layers for skin tones, before the white hand print added. Lastly, a “dirt” layer finished the look off. Implanting the hair, texturing it, and making acrylic eyes and teeth completed the head.
Next step was the armour. A breast plate was sculpted and cast in fibreglass, on to which 2mm leather was custom coloured and sewn/riveted onto it. A dark brown cloth was weathered and attached to the torso, before the armour added to complete the bust.
He stands 87cm tall including base.
