18.01.11- FIRST SCULPTURE SESSION

Cast of my hand with a heart key ring in the center.

Today was my first lesson, and i was late - due to buses (: We started off by making a molding using clay, we could use anything to mold so I decided to use my hand because i've chosen to use the human body through out my art projects and lessons. As you can see in the image, I made an imprint of my hand into the clay with a heart shape keyring. I then made a wall using plastic and extra clay to stick together. After mixing molding powder (I've forgotten the name) with water I was then able to create my cast by pouring the mixture onto my class imprint and left to solidify.
Once hardened, i removed the clay from the mold and made some finishing touches by sanding down sharp edges and removed excess clay.

I decided to take this further by trying out a new technique using a vacuum sealed machine. I placed my cast onto the machine faced up and pulled the handle to lower it, then I cut out the correct size (roughly A3) of clear 1.5mm of plastic and placed onto the machine. I turned the machine on and heated the plastic for the correct amount of time to whatever the thickness was - in this case it heated up for 30seconds. Immediately after heating i pulled the handle to raise my cast so it's just touching the plastic. Flicked a switch and turned on the vacuum seal which wrapped the plastic tight around the cast. By doing this, i learned a wonderful new skill on how to make molds quickly and repeatedly by using my vacuum sealed cut out.

After my delicious lunch, I wanted to experiment a bit further. I wanted to make a cast of my hand! To do this i created a tube container using tape and flexible plastic. I then placed it into 3cm of clay to secure it and made a green jelly like solution and poured into my container. After putting a thin coat of vaseline on my hands, i made a pose and put it into the mold. After waiting 15minutes for it to set, i gently took my hand out. Making a mixture of powder and water, i then poured it into the mold and waited for another hour or so.

Cast of my hand.

After pealing away the green mold I revealed my hand. I think this technique exceptionally well considering it picks up each wrinkle and crease in my hand.

These are the artist I'm referencing throughout my sculpture class:

RON MUECK

TIM HAWKINSON