Details

Model Mayhem #:
845157
Last Activity:
Oct 31, 2023
Experience:
Very Experienced
Compensation:
Depends on Assignment
Joined:
Oct 16, 2008

Lists (5)

A List

110 Photos

A+Work

83 Photos

Beautiful

127 Photos

Distinctively Exceptional Images

78 Photos

Red and Black Creations

9 Photos
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About Me

Welcome to Sculptures by Grazi!  I am Gene Phillips, aka "Grazi" (pronounced "gratzee") which means - Thank You!

I am a Certified Lifecaster, taught by the best... David Parvin, RIP my mentor and friend - in the business of creating realistic lifelike full size sculptures and nudes that convey strong emotion.
What sets me apart is that I can create full size "bronze" sculpture that is light enough to hang on the wall or stand on their own.
I am a realist and not afraid to sculpt nudes in their natural "graphic" detail... and I want to portray exactly the reality of what is seen without regard to artificial "cover up" or "sugar coat". It is an honor albeit a challenge to try to replicate, and expose exactly, what God created, and I give credit to those mature enough to appreciate the beauty of His creation - and not fall into the sexual aspect.
I am drawn to "painting" sculpture as my "canvas" rather than leaving the surfaces white. I have developed my own unique ways to accomplish this since there is little out there to go on for inspiration in this regard.

I have done many projects with models from Model Mayhem to successfully recreate their bodies in sculpture, and I have now completed 6 life size mermaids from these models, not counting so many more torsos, and countless smaller artworks from my imagination.
But I must say, I may be nearing the end of this great endeavor due to changing times.

When I create whimsical figures- angels and mermaids, or historical figures such as Jesus on the Cross or Risen, I will attempt to create, in my mind's eye, the true drama
within the composition.
I gravitate towards events having serious or lasting dramatic impact,
I am still open to all ideas but due to the time-consuming nature of these projects, I am only accomplishing about one a year.at this point.


xxxxxxxxxxx  LIFE SIZE CREATIONS MADE FROM MAYHEM MODELS !xxxxxxxxxxxxx

I make recreations of models with their exact features, in plaster, fiberglass or bronze sculpture.
I work in a casual atmosphere in my studio with the model - and work to create unique and inspiring artwork of true body definition and realistic skin detail.

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MM MODELS RECREATED IN PLASTER AND BRONZE -

Life Size Bodycast Sculpture of AlexisB221


Life Size Bodycast Sculpture of Kelsie Leigh  MM Model #659810

"IMMORTALIZED"  FULL SIZE REPLICA STATUES OF MY MODELS



MM and Playboy Model Elizabeth Marx #1663877 recreated as a "Copper with Patina" Mermaid
Although I do not sell from this site, I do have an extensive gallery of Art for Sale.


"Serene Siren" -Life Size bodycast  Sculpture of  Niki Vice,  MM model,  recreated as a "Bronze" Mermaid


THE PLASTER SESSION:
After stretching, measuring your proportions and doing a mini photoshoot for use in proper body sizing, PLASTER BODYCASTING is the method I use to take an impression of your nude pose and actually RECREATE YOU as a sculpture in full size and detail!

It's a unique experience for models to see themselves as an immortal sculpture and it's very rewarding! The finished sculpture can remain white, or skin color, or, a bronze finish and patina which makes the plaster/ fiberglass piece look like a real bronze statue.

Holding a pose for sculpting is more difficult than posing for photos!
Various natural products are hand-applied to your skin. I explain the process in complete detail and have you sign an Agreement /Release allowing me as well as my female assistant to touch the areas on your body involved in the process, as this must be of necessity, a full, hands -on process.
The environment is peaceful, and the model actually has a fun time. I am the only male present, except for pregnant casts where your significant other is welcome to attend. I make sure to video the session to put everyone at ease and show the truth of the session but I do not post or break faith with my model, and everything is kept extremely private..

This process takes a good part of the day, so it is better not to book anything for later that evening. You will be asked to hold only a couple poses for not more than 35 minutes each.
After introductions, ID check- must be 20 or over, and complete understanding of what to expect, and what we are trying to accomplish, we first do a mini photoshoot to decide on the best pose, take some in-house reference pictures of the decided pose and then get started.
We prep your skin (and hair and face too, if we are recreating that), then you hold a pose as a thick gel-like liquid is hand applied on your skin that picks up practically every skin detail. Then I make a plaster shell over the gel that hardens the entire application. All in all, release creams, conditioners, oils, plaster, clay, bandages, and bracing could be applied to your body, depending on the type and size of sculpture needed! It is a very messy process for sure, but everyone seems to have a lot of fun doing it.
After about 35 minutes, we pull the hardened casting mold shell off you. and after scraping plaster and bits of debris off of you, you then shower in the large studio bathroom.
I get started pouring a new plaster/ fiberglass mix into the newly created gel mold, and after the plaster dries overnight, I pull it all apart and...  there YOU are... your impression, in "statuesque" form! A lasting true image for the ages!
If time permits, we do a second pose as well.
After you leave, I finish detail the artwork and may add to or subtract certain features to enhance or embellish or adapt it to the theme I am trying to achieve.  This takes me many weeks. Then I may decide to "bronze" or paint the finished work.

Female chaperones (must be 21 or older) are welcome during session, but males are only allowed before or after the session.  Pregnant models must bring an escort.

** MODELS MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION**
Due to HOURS spent to prep, and premix materials, and prepaying an assistant for the day, I must have only professional models that are serious about their profession and show up.
DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION IS A MUST.
 
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My Philosophy:
I sculpt models in poses that intrigue me with ATTITUDE AND CONFIDENCE.
When I sculpt, I am drawn to the mythological, the whimsical and the historical. I want to convey strong emotion in the piece. Does it capture drama or passion? Does it reflect reality, and the true flowing curves of natural beauty?
The essence of my work would be to achieve a true reflection of the human form.
   
I study model's ports as my visual instruction material and creative advancement, for which I am immensely grateful to you for!
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Should we use our unique wonderful bodies and our talents for only our own gain, or are we made this way so that we can enrich creative minds or promote a better world for future generation's appreciation?

The exhilaration of the heights of success are only realized after determination and perseverance through the progressive steps of failure upon failure upon failure.

The most fulfilling life is knowing you are the world for at least one other person.
One of my Favorite Stories:
Two men were walking along the shore and noticed all the hundreds of starfish that had washed up on the beach that were dying. As they talked, one man bent down and picked one up and tossed it into the ocean. They walked a little further and he did it again. The other man said "why do you bother to pick up one and throw it back? There are hundreds of them- what's the use, what does one matter" the other man replied, "it's no big deal for me, but it matters THE WORLD to that one"
So...why not you "be the world" to some one in need. 

We all matter. Even if there are millions of us on this planet, we all are here in the same "soup" trying to be happy.
Out of all the times to be alive, we are sharing it with those who are also lucky enough to live during our lifetimes.
We uniquely have each other to make life worthwhile and livable, Living is such a huge gift. Why not share your time... and care... and make it the best we can for everyone while we have this one shot with our precious life?
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Credit Notes

I live in the California desert, I have 25+ years of ceramic and plaster art experience. I have worked with body and face castings now during the last 15 years.
For fun, I also was a rock and roll drummer, having played in countless bands for 20+ years, and I have a bachelor's degree in Engineering that just hangs on the wall! I am Academy of Life Casting certified and a fairly accomplished ceramicist, basically smart enough to work with you on my earnest projects! smile
I had a Gallery on prestigious El Paseo (Gems and Treasures) and have had countless  works of art hanging in galleries in town and up in the mountains of Idyllwild. I have won a many ceramic competitions from my sculptures and my unique process of glaze techniques! 

My "claim to fame" is that I have two of my 16-inch mermaid sculptures in the home of MICHAEL GODARD, one of the Most Popular and Best-Selling artists- painter in the world today! And I had one of my pieces come in the "back door" of the NY Metropolitan Art Museum! My greatest work has to be the Crucified Jesus Sculpture that actually now hangs in a Church. I also accomplished a Risen Jesus sculpture that is waiting for an owner. With hard work, diligence, not accepting failure, being fearless, and having a little luck and blessing- I can accomplish, hopefully, long lasting "good"  for this world._____________________________________________________________

Special thanks to:
David Parvin, RIP my mentor and hero
Ron Evans, RIP my likewise mentor and hero
Faye Davis, a dear true friend
Kelsie Leigh Model #659810
Annelise Marie Model #1303139
Chambria Morrell*
Cindy Romano Modeling and Talent agency 


CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS responsible for  "molding" my talents!

Aryna Ryan, Creativity Instructor, mentor
Arnold Capitanelli, Singer, Songwriter, Composer and Playwright
David E Parvin MM #1141218 ALI, Master Sculptor, Teacher, Mentor
Mike Neal, and Faye Davis - Singers, Songwriters, Artists, Actor, Playwright
Ned Reidy, RIP Spiritualist, priest, mentor and friend
Email me at [email protected]
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NOTABLE ART GALLERIES AND RECENT VENUES:
The Stephen Baumbach Gallery, Palm Springs CA
Thai Spa and Gallery, Palm Desert CA.
Grazi Gallery, Palm Desert CA.
P.S. Wine and Art,  Palm Springs CA.
Gems and Treasures, EL PASEO Palm Desert CA.
De Luca Jewelers and Fine Art, EL PASEO Palm Desert
Gerry High Gallery, Cathedral City CA.
Dore's Art Garden and Metals Gallery, Mountain Center CA.
Angel and Nature Expressions, Idyllwild CA.
Artspresso, Idyllwild
Naked Noodle Italian Restaurant, Indio CA.
College of the Desert Street Fair , Palm Desert
Palm Desert City Hall Artists Showcase
Soroptimist Club, Palm Springs
Desert Art Center, Palm Springs
Home Show, Palm Springs
Coachella Valley Arts Alliance
Kaleidoscope, Rancho Mirage, CA.
Palm Springs Art Center
AAA Home Care, Rancho Mirage
Riverside County Fair, Indio CA 14 awards and one Best of Show