Space Jockey - question on technique for skin

[blipper]

I'm considering repainting my Space Jockey model and came across a great example of a job well done. I'm trying to figure out what might have been used to achieve the almost cobweb-like, dessicated fragments of skin the modeler used to good effect. Any ideas?

(link under pic goes to web page where photos can be enlarged)

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/asaka0704/folder/406045.html?m=lc&p=2

 

[Adam H]

I can't get on that page because of things it needs to install on the computer to run, but if you check out the Alien Quadrilogy box set, I think on disc 9 if you go into the laserdisc extras of the first one they say exactly how they got that look in the movie. I can't remember exactly what, but there was something they put over the model after it was all done to make it look like there was rotting skin. Either that or it's in the special features on disc 2, but I've watched that a lot and never remembered the bit about the skin till more recently, so I think it was on the laserdisc archive. That whole set takes a loooooooooooooong time to get thru

 

[Gigatron]

I've gotten similar results using 5 minute epoxy and a toothpick. Mix up a small batch of the epoxy and use a toothpick to dab a small amount where you want the string to start. Wait a minute or two for the epoxy to start to thicken up and then, using the toothpick, stretch it to where you want it to end.

I've used it to create drool or other slime effects with pretty good results. This shouldn't be any different.

-Fred

 

[JPolacchi]

What about rubber cement or liquid latex?

 

[Adam H]

LIQUID LATEX!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I'm pretty sure that's what they used on the actual model. I'll still check the DVD when I get home b/c now I'm curious, but I think that's it.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Anyone got examples with this liquid latex? Sounds interesting.

 

[JPolacchi]

Well,that's why I thought of it because that's what Giger used on the miniature(liquid latex),but I imagine you might have the same results using rubber cement?

 

[Lord Boron]

You could probably get the same result using latex masking fluid that you can pick up at the local hobby shop.

 

[JPolacchi]

You can find liqid latex anywhere,and I don't think that there is a difference except the "masking latex" you mentioned that you find in art stores has an orange/pink pigment.Maybe that won't matter if you end up painting over it?

 

[Adam H]

slight missing piece here. from the laserdisc archive on disc 9 of the alien quadrilogy box set:
"In preparing the space jockey for filming, Giger first applied a sepia glaze, then liquid latex, peeling some of it after it dried to give the impression of porous, decayed, transparent skin. With minute cosmetic touches continuing into the night, the space jockey was ready for shooting with no time to spare."

I like to read it using Giger's accent in my mind, but it occurs to me that my impression of him just comes out like a nerdy Schwarzenegger.

 

[xeno]

I have done this a few times, and yes liquid latex is the way to go.

just paint a thin layer on it, let it dry, then gently rub it with one finger, the latex will break and kling to each other and create the web like appearance.

the larger the scale of the model the thicker the layer of latex you need to create the right effect.

 

[blipper]

Interesting ideas folks, thanks. I do have some latex masking fluid around so I may experiment. One thing though is the scale of the model, I'm not sure how the latex can be manipulated with such control at so small a scale to create the almost web like look. To give an idea here's my Jockey with a Star Wars (sorta) figure:

 

[dropshipbob]

Use a Q-tip?

 

[blipper]

Might be onto something there! Maybe roughened q-tip fibres coated with latex...


:thumbsup

 

[Adam H]

I'd go with something that isn't going to get fibers in the latex. Maybe something like a qtip but that has a sponge on the end? Or just use a paperclip to do the rubbing.

 

[blipper]

That's an interesting possibility Adam. Mind you, I just saw Julian Bloom's superb scratch built larger scale Space Jockey and can't help thinking that's the kind of scale this piece needs to be now, at the very least!

 

[Mostly Fantasy]

Yep, I remember reading H.R. Giger used liquid latex (flexible) and lightly sanded/brushed it once dried. I experimented once with an airbrush to spray latex, and got a nice thin, even coat- just had to clean the brush right away.

 

[Architect]

wow I need more room, I really want to build a large scale version of this. I used some stuff that worked really well back in the day to cover the entire interior of my apartment. unfortunately I never took any pictures of it, I did take a couple pics of things I made later though. like this

and this

both long gone unfortunately. both had lights inside them too. (christmas lights in the flower that shown out of lexan tusks and the mouth down low on the trunk of that.

the first is pretty easy to see it was inspired by the queen in part two. The second one was inspired by the flowers from startrek TOS that caused spock to experience emotions. and of course both are styled like the biomechanical designs of H.R. Giger.

Oh what I would do with an entire ware house!