Inspired by the iconic Dalarna horse sculptures from Sweden, this project aimed to recreate the intricate design traditionally crafted by hand using UV mapping techniques in 3D modeling. The challenge was not only to capture the aesthetic essence of these beloved cultural symbols but also to honor their historical craftsmanship through digital artistry. This case study explores the journey from concept to creation, highlighting the technical processes and creative decisions that brought this cultural emblem into the digital realm.
Having seen these traditional Dalarna horse sculptures prominently displayed throughout Sweden sparked my curiosity and admiration. Prior to my time in Sweden, I had not encountered them. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns intrigued me, prompting the decision to digitally recreate one using UV mapping techniques. This project aims to capture the charm and craftsmanship of these cultural icons while exploring the transition from handcrafted tradition to digital modeling.
some real life inspo
The modeling process primarily involved achieving the intricate shape and details of the Dalarna horse sculpture. Using Cinema 4D, I focused on refining the form to accurately replicate the traditional design. Due to the straightforward nature of the sculpture and the efficiency of Cinema 4D's modeling tools, the process involved continuous adjustments to achieve the desired aesthetics and proportions.
a glimpse of my cinema 4d screen
I applied textures using UV mapping to replicate traditional patterns and colors on the model's surfaces. I also adjusted Cinema 4D shaders to simulate wood textures and vibrant painted finishes typical of Dalarna horse sculptures, enhancing realism and aesthetic appeal.Natural illumination from a sky environment was chosen to complement the sculpture's traditional feel. Time zone settings were adjusted to match Sweden's local time for added ambiance. Pre-rendering settings included ambient occlusion and global illumination to accurately portray details and shading, achieving depth and realism in the final images.
This project deepened my understanding of traditional artistry and its translation into digital form and let me gain valuable insights into texture mapping and lighting techniques that will benefit future projects.
Acknowledgments: to tutorials, friends, and resources that assisted me in realizing this piece..
