Course Description

This Marathon will explore the process of mold making and casting sculpted forms using a variety of materials.

Through demonstrations, presentations, class discussions, and direct experience, participants will learn to prepare a form before making a mold of it; learn how to design and build a variety of molds – from rigid, single use waste molds, to piece molds consisting of multiple parts and used repeatedly; learn how to select, prepare and cast a variety of casting materials (i.e., plaster, Hydrocal, etc.); learn about modeling materials such as clay and plasticine (oil-based clay); learn basic clay modeling and foam carving techniques from which molds can be made.

The course is open to students of all levels who have an interest in mold making and casting sculptural forms. Students from the preceding Life-Size Sculpture Marathon with Brandt Junceau are encouraged to work from their existing (clay) sculptures. For those students who are either new to mold making and casting, or who do not have or wish to use existing work, instruction and materials will be provided.

Class instruction will occur in the school’s Plaster Room, Clay Room, Woodshop, and Metal Studio. While focusing on personal safety and responsible practice, students will learn about tools and materials commonly used in mold making and casting. Projects will be structured to ensure proficiency in the techniques of mold making and casting while simultaneously strengthening the students’ abilities to articulate the significance of their own work. This course will also include instructor presentations, reading handouts, group discussions, and group critiques.

Course Syllabus