This week I have been casting aluminium in sand. This is to make the handle and spout for a concrete water vessel. The process was long and delicate but satisfying to see the final pouring of the aluminium and the emergence of the pieces I wanted. They now have to be polished and fitted to the concrete with pins and glue.
There is a lot of time invested in a project like this, when the outcome is uncertain. I can only draw on my experience to predict a favourable result but this is not always the case. My other project needed a concrete sphere and casting it was also a long process. Another tutorial next week will shed light on whether the projects have been successful.
I have been thinking about the underlying theory of my work and also questioning the value of making work that is specifically planned. Making work like this has been very good in terms of being able to consolidate my statement and has also given me confidence to make finished pieces for the degree show. However, following on from my tutorial last week, I think it may be necessary to spend more time just experimenting with materials. Although this seems a backward step at this stage of my degree I think it will put fresh ideas into my work.
This week we are doing a sculpture workshop and have each been given a specific material with which to work. Mine is plastic bags which is a material that I would be least likely to choose. I am hoping to conserve the utility of the bags in some way rather than just using them as another sheet material. It’s good to have a challenge.
