Elli Schlunke
MAMMUTHUS
(Tjuk-Penh)
TJuki spent half of September 2016 out and about promoting the Horizon Festival which started Sept. 2nd, in venues scattered over the Sunshine Coast. He's a woolly mammoth built at about 60% life size. He was finished late August 2015. I began the concept planning the previous October, the welding in February, and managed to do bugger-all else till August. The full name of woolly mammoths is Mammuthus Primigenius, but he's nick-named Tjuk-penh, as there's almost an entire chook pen scrunched up inside him. He won a special award for innovative use of materials, at "Sculpture on the Edge" (ArtsconnectInc.) at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, where he also won the People's Choice Award. One young voter said "He makes me happy." I like that kid.
Tjuki with a new tusk after being "ridden" for a laugh at a wedding at the exhibition venue.
On his new "Tundra Patch" being a celebrity at Caloundra Regional Gallery
Taken before tusks added but already looks like a mammoth to me
First layer of aviary mesh enclosing hollow innards
Form built out with scrunched recycled chook wire, hence his pet name Tjuk-penh
Tediously applied shade-cloth layer to disguise armature etc. I hate sewing but I sewed all this on.
Cage mesh over the shade-cloth for latching fur onto.
A flank covered in fur. Made me realise I needed lots more power cords to strip out. Still a long way to go.
He is nearly 2 metres tall and weighs in at under 200 kg.
Not always mischievous. He needs a good home. He is currently out in front of my house under a gazebo, for shade..