moulds

These moulds were made originally from clay, a clay ring was made around the form and old lino flooring was used to make a wall to contain the plaster of Paris that was poured on top of the mould. Once the plaster had dried we could remove the wall and excess clay ring. 
The clay form was removed from the plaster and liquid slip was poured in and left to dry, the plaster absorbed the water leaving a thin clay shell inside the mould.
We left the moulds for about a week and removed the new clay form. When they come out of the mould they are very fragile and whilst trying to decorate my form it broke in a number of places and crumbled in my hands, this is why i chose to work with this and give it a distressed and decaying look.
I liked the colouration given when the form came out of the mold so i painted areas with the red slip before it was fired. After firing the results weren't as i had expected so i painted a layer of copper carbonate over the top to add to the colour and make it look more weathered and distressed.


The following safety rules apply when using clay and plaster of Paris:
Always clear up all spillages of slip and worktops where clay has been used to remove clay dust particles.
Wash hands after work to remove dust.
Always work in a well ventilated room.
Do not get plaster on skin, in eyes or on clothing due to extreme heating when setting.
Do not enclose any part of the body in plaster for above reasons.
Plaster also creates dust which is harmful when breathed in.



 Pablo Picasso:
http://www.pablopicasso.org/
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, ceramicist and sculptor. His ceramic work came in the form of unique vases, pots, bowls and plates. Although more well known for his paintings, ceramics did make up a large part of his career.