FORM, MASS, PLANE, TEXTURE---ALL WONDERFUL ASPECTS OF.....

...and all are explored in the following first level experiences of plaster carving.

  You've never carved a plaster sculpture before? Well, you'd be in the company of these first level students, most non-art experienced, who found it a completely absorbing, surprising, and very satisfactory 1st time sculpture adventure.

  To be honest, there were some frustrating moments--like when parts of the work would break off, and then having to modify the design and keep on going. But it was challenge met with determination and the discovery that one could adapt to a needed restructure and find it was pleasing as well as workable.

GETTING STARTED

• You'll need the following for each person: Plaster of Paris, small, empty milk carton-about half filled with cold water, a paint stirring stick (preferably with holes in it),a teaspoon, bowl with plaster powder, and a newspaper covered area.
• Add teaspoons of plaster powder to the water in the milk carton sifting it evenly. Continue until there is a "little mountain" that rises in the middle. Sprinkle in a few more teaspoons around the sides.
• Stir the mixture slowly with the stick without lifting it from the carton to keep as many air bubbles out as possible. Check the stick several times to see if any lumps appear at the end of it. Stop when the stick shows only a smooth, stirred mixture.
• Use the stick to swat the container on the outside from the bottom upward many times to release air bubbles. You can see them popping.
• Set containers aside to harden. Now we're ready for an adventure!