Arts >> Art >> Sculpture

How to Build Sculptures Using Animal Bones

According to the Merriam Webster Learners' Dictionary, to sculpt is to "to make (something) by carving or molding clay, stone, etc." A sculpture is a free-standing, three-dimensional work of art. Sculptures include statues as well as abstract forms and can also be made from materials such as wood, metal or bone.

Things You'll Need

  • Bones
  • Bleach
  • Bucket
  • Carving tools
  • Paints
  • Glue
  • Drill and drill bits, non-industrial
  • Bolts and nuts
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean and sanitize the bones you'll be using. A solution of one cup bleach mixed into one gallon of water can remove any remaining tissue or bacteria and whiten the bones. Boiling the bones produces a more weathered, brown look while sanitizing and cleaning.

    • 2

      Paint or carve the bones you intend to use in your sculpture, if such alteration is part of your artistic vision. Alter one, a few, or all the bones of the sculpture as you choose.

    • 3

      Drill holes into the bones you use with a small hand-held drill to connect them with bolts and nuts. Drills intended for use by crafters offer more control compared to a standard home-repair drill. Choose a drill bit sized to the connecting material you intend to use. Alternatives to bolts include glue, fishing line and string. Use clay or metal to build around the bones for added texture.

    • 4

      Connect the bones according to your choices for placement and position. Size, shape and form is entirely up to you as the artist. For example, you can assemble the bones into a skeleton of the animal the bones came from, or make them into a wind chime.

Sculpture

Related Categories