Shark Sculpture

Shark Oaxacan Animal Sculpture

This Oaxacan animal sculpture is pretty fierce and bold with his bright purple hues! Be sure to go wild when selecting your color palette to create a memorable three dimensional piece of artwork! These sculptures are also known for their patterns and exaggerated features like tails, ears, antlers and fins. If you haven’t done so then check out these fantastic sculptures for yourself, you’ll be amazed at the intricate designs and the beautiful craftsmanship.

Shark Oaxacan Animal Sculpture

I really do enjoy making these fantastic creatures because the possibilities are endless. Choose your favorite animal and put your own spin on the design. Oaxacan animal sculptures are some of the most beautiful sculptures I’ve ever seen, my iterations don’t even compare! However, that doesn’t stop me from creating my own collection of beauties!

Shark Oaxacan Animal Sculpture

The armature (skeleton underneath) is literally made up of garbage, ok not the kind you throw in the trash can but the kind you could. Empty cardboard tubes make for a great place to start, then you just tape on crumpled up pieces of paper with masking tape to create the features like arms, legs, tail etc.

A great tip is to use cone shapes, roll up a piece of paper like a cone, trim if necessary and tape to your tube. Cones make great legs and tails like the one I made for my shark.

Shark Oaxacan Animal Sculpture

Tape on all of your details like fins and ears. Then papier-mâché the entire sculpture like a mummy, I use a simple mixture of water and glue. Dip strips of newspaper into the mixture and get to wrapping, two layers is enough but if you want it to be super strong and a little thicker go for more layers. Let it dry well then paint to your heart’s content!

Shark Oaxacan Animal Sculpture

Be sure to add lots of patterns too, this really helps make your sculpture look more interesting!