Molding

L.E.Q. How do artists choose the

material they will use for their sculpture?

How does a sculptor achieve a permanent artwork in materials such as bronze, resins, cements or plaster?

How does interpretation play a part in sculpture?

Molding… is the process of securing an impression and molds (hollow forms) provide the method for materials to take on and retain their shape.

Artists have been making molds for centuries, from small clay seals of ancient Sumer and India to the molded reliefs sculptures of the Assyrians.

A Mold… Is a hollow, negative form into which

a malleable or liquid substance is pressed or poured

Create one from just about any material…wood, clay, stone.

The mold must not stick to the final substance you choose to put into it.

Plaster is the primary material used for molds.

Types of Molds…Hard Molds… Usually made of plaster, but also fiberglass, metal, epoxy and wood. Piece molds –

o divided into sections for easy assembly and removal of cast objecto is a reusable mold.

Waste molds – o one time use

Press molds – o Known as slump molds, pliable material is pressed in or on the surfaceo Reusable with limited

Hump molds – o Known as drape molds, used when working on the outside of a form

Flexible Molds… Materials include latex, polyurethanes and silicones Used because the mold is flexible and can stretch over, around or be

peeled away from the surface

Plaster… pg. 58 Primary for modeling, casting, carving and

construction materials Is found as a gypsum or as an alabaster, is refined into a

powder and heated to standards for the sculptural setting. White molding plaster, casting plaster and art plaster are

recommended. Causes heat to build up in the setting process so in liquid

form, should not be applied to the skin. Less water creates a stronger mix, but reduces the work

time. Too much water weakens the plaster virtually unusable. Cold water retards set time; Hot speeds up the process Always add plaster to water, never water to plaster. Sift plaster into water slowly; mixture must be thoroughly

blended

Stages of plaster… pg. 60

Liquid- pour, brush, thrown, drip Putty- thicker mix, troweled or

scooped into mold Rigid- slightly set, and frail, but can

be trimmed Set- heat build up as plaster hardens Cure- once plaster sets until it cures Dry- plaster is brittle, but strong

Mold Design… pg.61 Draft/ taper mold enables the mold to be released

Undercuts obstruct the removal of the mold

Life Molding… pg 68 creating a mold from a live model… 3 main materials

o plaster gauze – the easiest method of molding• bandages harden within 10-15 min• remember the release agent!!!! (petroleum jelly)

o alginate – expensive material used by dentist for tooth impressions

o liquid plaster – most available material, but requires more preparation in order to avoid entrapment of the model• benefit – produces a rigid, reusable mold of

accuracy an detail

George Segal

1924-2000, after NY University of Education, he purchased a chicken farm to make a living, but ended up a teacher of English and Art in a local high school…

His chicken coop was transformed into his studio where he played with crude plaster, wire and wood armatures. His work evolved into the use of a simple technique to capture that others overlooked as a “finished” product. He froze the figures forever, trapped in time. “I love to deal with abstraction. I love to probe and examine, but I feel that it has to be rooted in reality.”

working with plaster gauze

cut strips and place by pairs so that 2 can be dampened at the same time

obtain warm water, a tray, a towel and a hair covering (bandana, shower cap…etc)

hold by an end and quickly pull through the warm watero squeegee through your fingers to remove excess water and mix

plaster in the gauze apply to the face or hand

o smooth plaster with other pieces make sure all areas are covered!!! blot face or hand with paper towels to remove excess water

and quicken drying time allow to cure/ harden before removing from the face or hand

o then allow to dry fully

Face Molding Hand Molding

What does your life look like?

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