Project #2: Bas-Relief Sculpture via PLASTER

Bas-Relief sculpture

Additive + Subtractive Casting + Carving 

                                                                                                

MATERIALS

Found hard materials with tactile variety, clay, plaster            

IDEA GENERATION 

In your sketch books, find 6 bas-relief works, minimum. Glue into sketch book, noting source materials, artist, size, etc. The tactile designs may be the source of inspiration for this assignment. Understand the variety of objects you have at your finger tips and what kind of "mark" they may make into soft clay.  Experiment with a variety of thicknesses and depths being pressed into the wet clay.  

Learning Objectives

• Understanding how formal elements build visual language
• Become familiar with the sum of the parts to the whole
• Investigate thoroughly tactile variety, pattern while refining personal involvement with the formal principles and elements of design
• Idea generation from found forms: natural / human made
• Surface patterning and texture
• Creating abstraction from tactile forms
• Additive and subtractive carving
• Carving & Casting > understanding the positive mold to the negative void
• Understanding Bas-relief and experimenting with varying heights

Process

1. Build a clay tray with 2” sides - this will become the negative mold for your plaster positive
2. Variety of tactile forms, create an abstract design that is pressed into the clay.                                             Experiment with pattern and rhythm as well as varying depths in clay
3. Mix plaster slip, while clay remains wet, pour in this mixture
4. Add a wire hanger to top of plaster “tile” while wet
5. Allow plaster to cure
6. Remove plaster cast from clay mould
7. Once cured completely add acrylic stains