This is the journey of how I modeled a Cycladic Idol. Throughout this process, you will witness my modeling, UV mapping, and rendering techniques.

Modeling

I smoothed the idol to make it look more natural. Additionally, I made some adjustments because some parts appeared too round when I initially smoothed it.

Also, i added a pair of horns for the idol.

UV mapping

Mudbox

Rendering

Why is it designed like that ?

This is a Cycladic idol created using Maya. It features two eye holes, a nose, and a pair of horns on the head. The idol is crafted with a combination of gold and stone, and the gold and black color scheme complements it well. Gold accents are applied to the eye holes, forehead, horns, and chin. This design is intended to give the impression that the idol hails from an ancient era when people used stone for crafting idols, and gold was a rare commodity, hence the limited use of gold accents. The goal was to capture the essence of a classic Cycladic idol, a style that originated in the third millennium B.C., known for its simplicity and lack of complexity. The incorporation of horns and the choice of colors draw inspiration from iconic figures such as Batman and Black Panther, adding an intriguing and mysterious quality to this timeless creation.

Why those vegetations ?

The vegetation consists of dry plants intentionally chosen to depict a desert environment. Dry and withered plants are used to authentically represent the arid nature of the desert, where plant life typically appears parched and dry due to the harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, the scarcity of vegetation in the environment aligns with the desert setting, where lush plant life is naturally limited. Hence, only a minimal number of plants have been included for decorative purposes. Moreover, this deliberate choice not only captures the arid essence of the desert but also maintains realism by adhering to the natural scarcity of plant life in such an environment.

Philosophy behind your design ?

This location was once inhabited by an ancient civilization renowned for its rich culture, despite lacking advanced technology. Among their creations, this artwork stands as a testament to their legacy. Tragically, the civilization met its demise when a devastating tsunami ravaged the land, obliterating their entire way of life. Over the years, nature reclaimed the territory, reducing it to a desolate expanse of sand and rock. Yet, hidden beneath the desert's surface lies an enduring relic—an idol preserving the memory of this remarkable civilization.

The philosophy behind the design delves into the transient nature of human existence and the lasting impact of culture. It highlights how even when civilizations fade into history, their cultural artifacts serve as enduring testaments to their existence, allowing us to unearth the stories and histories of these cultures through relics. Much like real-world relics such as the "Terracotta Army," "Shroud of Turin," and "Ark of the Covenant".

Why you gravitated towards this atmosphere ?

For this project, I am drawn to the atmosphere that conveys a sense of nature's dominance, decay, age, and silence. Consequently, I opted to craft the environment as a desert, characterized by arid landscapes, dry plant life, and the stark presence of sand and rock. This deliberate choice serves to immerse viewers in a profound sense of desolation.

Within this environment, the scene is situated underground, marked by an overhead opening that allows light to filter down. It ensures that only the idol is bathed in the soft glow of the incoming light. The objective is to direct viewers' attention solely to the idol.