Bust: Combat Weapon PX-0

Thoughts: This is a sculpture depicting Bartholomew Kuma, Shichibukai, and weapon of the World Government.

A figure of massive stature, he and his Pacifista counterparts are the loyal, destructive force of cyborg Combat Weapons directed by the governing hierarchy of the World Government.

Thus far, little is known of Kuma's history, and what effect his cyborg modifications may have exacted on him, whether physically, mentally, circumstantially, or otherwise. In his 45 years of life, he appears to bear a powerful history and mettle which belies his quiet demeanor.

Unlike the former sculpture, Bartholomew is no longer looking upward, but instead farther left and slightly downward, as if tracking a target. In addition, his jacket is not as symmetrical as it would appear in most of his source material; his left shoulder is also slightly more raised, such as if he were in motion - be it destructive or defensive.

As a few notes, some details of his appearance are not clear, so some license taken include that his ears were meant to be like those of the Asiatic Black Bear, and for stylistic purposes, the lenses covering his eyes are faceted (even though that cannot be seen in these images). I also made the eccentric (though respectful) choice to inscribe the following passage onto the inner surface of Kuma's hat:

"But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I have yet to reveal to you."

(Passage taken from Acts 26:16, selected without looking, at random, first quote found. It appeared quite suiting to Bartholomew.)

The full sculpture is about one foot one inch (33 cm) wide by about nine inches (22 cm) tall, and weighs about 19 pounds (even though it is partially hollow inside). No armature was used.

Details: This sculpture is the second phase of a set of bust-style works meant as studies of Bartholomew's figure... The effort originates from having no solid reference to use in the creation of a sketch for an ill friend of mine.

Materials: Demco brand plasticine (gray), and steel-tip modelling tools (ball-tip and needle).

Cynicide: Lack of definition over some elements of Bartholomew's design, such as unsettled or as-yet-unclarified details, have left room for license which may be later refuted. In addition, plasticine can be notoriously difficult to smooth.

NOTE: Bartholomew Kuma, the Pacifista, and the PX-series originate from the anime/manga material 'One Piece,' and are intellectual property of it's creator, Eiichiro Oda.

I see this has received some attention:

First, I offer my quiet gratitude to those responsible. The voice and creations of the community, and the actions of the many staff and coordinators of DeviantArt, are who enable certain works to come to light. Mine is only one among a great multitude.

Where most would react with joy or speechlessness ... In honesty, I am much more interested in going humbly about my way. This creation is neither of great technical expertise nor immaculate material - but to those who read this, bear in mind:

It was made with simplicity. It is just one creation along my path in life, and much like a stone carries the essence of mountains, it holds for me all of the thought that went into it's patient creation. There is much which preceded it, and there may be far more to which it will be a predecessor. It is that way with any person or artist - and I hope that those creations that we set to the surface of the world hold our thoughts like banners: with voiceless pride - for though a creation cannot speak, they possess something read through the heart and resonance of the mind. As artists and people, this binds us.

I am a firm believer in hard work, patience, and cultivating an openness of those objects and symbols which become pillars of our growing understanding of the world. My gratefulness rests with others, and how they help me continue to see.