Click on the image above to scroll through the process of creating the foam sculpture
LADY BAVARIA
Just who is Lady Bavaria? The original 60 ft tall Lady Bavaria presides over Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The bronze sculpture has a long history of symbolism for the Bavarian culture. Oktoberfest USA, held in La Crosse, Wisconsin began in 1961. The local festival is now the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the Midwest. Pica Grove’s 16′ tall Lady Bavaria is a sculpted foam replica of the Bavarian original. Our foam sculpture was originally designed to be a float for the annual Maple Leaf Parade, (one of many traditional events during the celebration).
“When our 21′ tall replica isn’t presiding over Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse, WI, she is majestically displayed outside our studio in Sparta, WI.”
CARVING
The carving process began with a 3-D model created from photographs of the authentic sculpture. Even though the German Bavarian Lady had been recently scanned in preparation for needed repairs, we were not allowed to use those files. So we relied heavily on our 3-D modeler to generate the digital model. Once the model was complete, numerous EPS foam sections were carved on our CNC router.
ASSEMBLING
Much like a jig saw puzzle, the sections were then carefully assembled into the top half, (head, shoulders and waist), and the bottom half, (hip, legs and the noble lion who flanks her left side). The foam sculpture was purposely divided into halves for ease of transport and installation. After the glue was set, textural and refined facial details were hand carved into both Lady Bavaria and the lion. Next, hard coating the EPS foam created a durable and protective waterproof surface that was expertly painted to mimic the aged bronze patina of the original.
FINISHING
The last steps were to cover the sturdy wooden base structure with additional carved foam sections, hard coat the entire base and paint the weathered stone surface. Attention to detail and expert craftsmanship are evident in all aspects of the finished foam sculpture. She now presides over Oktoberfest USA annually at the south side fest grounds. During the rest of the year, she is majestically displayed outside our studio.
Click on the image above to scroll through the process of creating the foam sculpture
LADY BAVARIA
Just who is Lady Bavaria? The original 60 ft tall Lady Bavaria presides over Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The bronze sculpture has a long history of symbolism for the Bavarian culture. Oktoberfest USA, held in La Crosse, Wisconsin began in 1961. The local festival is now the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the Midwest. Pica Grove’s 16′ tall Lady Bavaria is a sculpted foam replica of the Bavarian original. Our foam sculpture was originally designed to be a float for the annual Maple Leaf Parade, (one of many traditional events during the celebration).
“When our 21′ tall replica isn’t presiding over Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse, WI, she is majestically displayed outside our studio in Sparta, WI.”
CARVING
The carving process began with a 3-D model created from photographs of the authentic sculpture. Even though the German Bavarian Lady had been recently scanned in preparation for needed repairs, we were not allowed to use those files. So we relied heavily on our 3-D modeler to generate the digital model. Once the model was complete, numerous EPS foam sections were carved on our CNC router.
ASSEMBLING
Much like a jig saw puzzle, the sections were then carefully assembled into the top half, (head, shoulders and waist), and the bottom half, (hip, legs and the noble lion who flanks her left side). The foam sculpture was purposely divided into halves for ease of transport and installation. After the glue was set, textural and refined facial details were hand carved into both Lady Bavaria and the lion. Next, hard coating the EPS foam created a durable and protective waterproof surface that was expertly painted to mimic the aged bronze patina of the original.
FINISHING
The last steps were to cover the sturdy wooden base structure with additional carved foam sections, hard coat the entire base and paint the weathered stone surface. Attention to detail and expert craftsmanship are evident in all aspects of the finished foam sculpture. She now presides over Oktoberfest USA annually at the south side fest grounds. During the rest of the year, she is majestically displayed outside our studio.