Japanese clay figure making is a hobby that's rising in popularity nowadays. By using specialty types of clay(polymer, silk, and air dry to name a few), shaping tools, and paints, artists can express their creativity through this craft or even their love for specific anime characters. Clay modelers can go into precise details in their work that may even rival collectible Japanese figurines.
Nian Clay is one of those modelers who specializes in DIY tutorials and tips for shaping air dry clay into cute characters. Some of the models she makes are based on her own characters as well as other people's original characters. Occasionally, she posts her illustrations, which are also quite spectacular to see.
Her recent work is of Usagi from Sailor Moon using silk clay, which can be viewed in the video below:
It is quite mesmerizing to see each piece come together to create the whole image.In this video she works from bottom to top. First she forms the legs of Usagi with a dark brown clay used for the stockings color. This pose is fairly stationary however she has done some dynamic poses in the past. Next she forms the shoes, using a clear rectangular object to smash it down evenly. The clothes, folds and all are carved, twisted and attached onto a torso in timelapse.Using foam, she creatse the illusion of fur on the sweater, and then proceeds to what I'd consider one of the most challenging, most detail aspects of this hobby--the head.
Meticulously forming the shape of Usagi's face and her eyes prior to this tutorial, she then creates the strands of hair in sections. A foam ball is used to get the curves of the hair on the skull correct before creating the chunks and strands. Yellow clay and a knife shaping tool are used for this part. For finishing touches, pastels are brushed on to deepen shadows and create a gradient in the clay. Nian Clay definitely has an eye for detail!
For her latest works and progress, you may follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nianclay/
You can also help support her on Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/nianclay
Nian Clay's goal is to reach 150 patrons. Although she is not interested in doing commission work, in the future she plans on creating giveaways on her channel when she becomes more popular. Follow her to keep updated on some opportunities for one of her works.