Model Making Workshop 5

This was out last workshop! And even though it was only the course of 4 days, I feel like I learnt a tremendous amount, especially since I know nothing about ceramics. This session involved making a foam model or two as a result of all the previous sessions.

We started off by reopening our moulds and applying a layer of wax to them. This was to ensure than the foam would not stick to the plaster of paris because the foam solution is extremely sticky! The first foam model I did, ended up sticking to pieces of the plaster because my layer of wax was too thin, so the second time I did it, I did two thin layers instead of one extremely generous one.

We then had to make the foam. The mixture had two parts to it, which had to be measured in the ratio 2:1. So for my model, I used the amounts 30:15, which once I got the total on the scales to 45, I had to mix extremely quickly before the mixture starting activating.

Unfortunately I made too much of the mixture, and it ended up erupting out of the plaster of paris mould extremely fast! Though this was a lot better than making less of the mixture, I noted than the second time around I had to deduce my measurements.

I ended up carefully cutting the excess foam off and then slowly opening my mould and out came my little model! Though I wouldn't say it looks much like Morrissey at all, in fairness I tried really hard and ended up with something passable! From this workshop I have learnt so much from all the problems I came across and all the mistakes I made, but I really enjoyed it and it has been something I never thought I would have a chance to take part in!