Casting....

I am in the process of now slip casting my animals... Both plaster moulds took three days to dry.

 I left the slip in for 40 mins....

 First owl out!... (unfortunately he did not survive, later that day he decided to droop and took a tumble of my studio desk, I definitely need to leave the slip in the mould for an hour next time.)

I left the slip in the fox mould for longer and he is much stronger...

 Time to decorate with coloured slip.
                                        

mould making

Time to cast my clay creatures out of plaster.... I have found the symmetry line on both my models and luckily I will be able to manage with making them both out of a three part mould...

 Making sure Mr.Fox is level...

 All together I have used around 120 pints of plaster!

Just working on my larger scale sculptures... Im currently making a fox and an owl, two very british animals to coincide with an english country theme I have noticed is trending recently...  

I have used potters modelling clay for the master models, I have burnished the surface for a smooth outcome with the plaster moulds....

Visiting artists Drew Markou

Drew Markou; contemporary designer maker, came for a visting lecture at Stoke University recently. He gave a great lecture about his work and some good insight into making it in the outside world after graduation. Then we all got together for a creative paper sculpting session to gain ideas for some jewellery making etc.... He involves experimentation of materials such as concrete and iron that portrays an industrial style in his work that makes it apparent that he has gained inspiration from his urban surroundings.