The video for Beautiful Scarecrow is a completely new approach for Owl House Studios. Jess wrote the original idea with Jonathan Main. In conjunction with Venky Viswanathan and Shaheen Sheriff, we decided to pursue a 3D animation route. Our aim was to build a ‘computer–generated world’ but give it the feel and texture of a stop motion animation. 

The Vessel that you see in the music video is based on an original sculpted head by Jess Cope.

Not only is Jess an animator, film director, writer, illustrator and fine artist, she is an accomplished sculptor. When writing the story for Beautiful Scarecrow, Jess decided to give the Vessel a visually recognisable character – that character is Steven Wilson himself. Already familiar with Steven’s attributes after many years of collaborating with him, Jess made an in-depth study of his face in the form of sketches and preliminary clay maquettes. It was amazing to watch Steven’s features and personality emerge from an inert lump of grey clay.

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Plinth: 205mm w x 200mm d x 50mm ht.
Head: 150mm w x 200mm d x 250mm ht.
Overall: 205mm w x 200mm d x 400mm ht.

The Vessel – Some of the Detail

One of the many skills that 3D animators learn early on in their education and career is the ability to make ordinary materials look like something completely different. The Vessel showcases Jess’s ability to change the look of flat grey clay into sheets of riveted patinated bronze and copper whilst still maintaining the visual character of Steven’s features. Jess has carved into the clay to create sub-layers which reveal a wide array of mechanicals workings – cogs, wheels, springs, wires, armatures which come together to portray the richness and depth of the central character in Beautiful Scarecrow.

Click on an image to zoom in to see more detail.

Anything electrical or mechanical never gets thrown away without the Owl House Team first desconstructing the machines and salvaging whatever parts look interesting – these finds will either get used in a future film or in a piece of ‘Steampunk Art’ created by Jess.

Construction is Clay, Plaster, Distressed and Patina Metallic Paint to head. Solid Timber support & Zebrano Wood Base

The Offer

In its own right, the Vessel is a magnificent piece of sculpture and Owl House Studios have decided to place it for sale. The head is mounted on a  black wood upstand and a natural Zebrano  wood polished base. The base is completed with a polished brass plaque with the inscription:

The Sculpture is now being made available via our website and the offer will be inclusive of Postage & Packing + Insurance for loss-in-transit and damage-in-transit etc.