http://www.mahoodsculpture.com/sculpture-making-process/
Can someone explain how to mak silicon or fiberglass sculptures cast from clay models?
I’m doing a report on Ron Mueck. The articles I have been reading say that he makes silicon or fiberglass sculptures from clay models. I don’t understand the casting process. Do you pour fiberglass or silicon into the mold? How do you keep the form from being solid because a solid fiberglass sculpture would be heavy right? Any help understanding they process of casting would be very appreciated! Thanks!
I love Ron Mueck and there used to be a great video showing his whole process that seems to have disappeared (my link doesn’t work)
Basically, he sculpts the whole figure in clay in minute detail. He then works in sections so he can remove each section and does a mold using a gel coat for detail and backing for strength. He then does a lot of tests, coloring the various materials he will use to make the final sculpture which will be fiberglass reinforced resin for parts that can be hard and silicone for places that will have “hair” pushed into the “skin”. In each case, he paints the color inside the mold then adds gel coat behind that and reinforcement behind that. The pieces are made as big as possible and are fitted together, then a lot of work is done for final detailing (like hair) to make the whole
They are hollow and about 1/2″ thick, plus or minus a bit.
Here is a long discussion with some images from the video showing details http://nga.gov.au/mueck/director.cfm
Being in the same room with them is amazing. Failing that, be sure to track down images/videos that show people in the frame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8_qSkHW0Fk&feature=related
Bronze Sculpture Making Process