Lenca Warrior: A Study in Stone & SubD
This piece is a tribute to the Lenca people of Honduras and was a personal challenge in exploring how different 3D softwares can work together.
I started the process in Rhinoceros using SubD modeling. This allowed me to build a very clean and organized base sculpture, making sure the proportions and the dynamic pose of the warrior were solid before moving into the details.
Once the foundation was set, I brought the model into Blender. I used the sculpting features there to really bring the character to life. This is where I added the organic textures, the definition in the muscles, and the fine details on the feathered headdress.
For the physical version, I used a Bambu Lab A1 with a 0.4mm nozzle. I chose Elegoo Rock Marble PLA because it gives the final print a heavy, hand-carved stone look that feels authentic to the subject matter. The statue stands at 7 inches tall and represents a bridge between traditional indigenous themes and modern digital tools.
I am a 3D artist and maker focused on bringing cultural heritage into the modern world through digital fabrication. My work usually starts with the technical structure of Rhinoceros and ends with the organic, hands-on feel of Blender sculpting.
For me, 3D printing isn't just about making a file physical. It is about finding the right materials—like the stone-textured filaments I use for my Lenca Warrior series—to make a digital model feel like a piece of history you can actually hold. I run a small studio where I bridge the gap between complex 3D workflows and tangible, high-quality art pieces.
Availability
If you're interested in owning a physical version of this sculpture, I currently have a limited number of these 3D prints available in my shop. Each one is printed to order using the marble finish shown in the photos.
You can find the listing here: https://lagoscaceresstudio.etsy.com/listing/4451571839
A look at the final 7-inch statue. I wanted the pose to feel proud and dynamic, capturing the spirit of the Lenca warrior.
Taking the photo from a lower perspective helps give the 3D print a sense of scale and importance, almost like a life-sized monument.
I used a 0.4mm nozzle to make sure the smaller elements like the bow string and the arrow stayed crisp and didn't lose their shape during the print.
To get this stone-like effect, I lowered the printing speed for the outer walls. It gives the Elegoo Rock Marble PLA a much more matte and realistic finish.
Layer Height: I went with 0.12mm (Fine) layers. While it takes longer, it’s essential for a 7-inch statue to ensure the transitions between the muscular anatomy and the feathers stay smooth.
I stuck with the 0.4mm stainless steel nozzle. It provided the perfect level of detail for the warrior’s facial features without the frequent clogging you might see with smaller diameters in "stone" filaments.
Using Gyroid infill was a lifesaver here to keep the taller parts of the statue stable while printing.
This gives a better idea of the actual size. It stands 7 inches tall and has a nice weight to it.
Cooling & Retraction: I lowered the printing speed slightly for the outer walls to give the marble texture a more matte, consistent finish.
The combination of the SubD foundation from Rhino and the sculpted details from Blender really shines in this filament. The highlights catch the "stone" flecks in a way that hides the 3D printed nature of the piece, leaving it with a heavy, premium feel t