Circle of Life
Objective
Continuing from our previous project on creating a wooden structure using the parabolic curve, our objective for this project was to create a plaster vessel composed from parabolic curves and have them to inter-relate with one another.
Real Examples of Plaster Sculptures
These are some examples of plaster sculptures that portray the interrelationship between the components.
Process
Step 1: Making Practice Plaster Molds
In order to understand how the different alignment of lines in 2D form transforms into a 3D structure, I began by making some practice molds using foam boards and chipboards.
Step 2: Prototyping the Final Sculpture
After, understanding the basic concept of making molds using line segments, I made a prototype of the shape using paper.
Step 3: Process
Based on the prototype, I constructed my plaster molds using chip boards, to emphasise the smooth curve. However, after attempting to cast plaster on this molds, because of the chip board’s weakness it did not work. So, I made other molds using foam boards. After making the molds, I began to think about how these forms could interrelate with each other.
Based on the molds I made, I casted plasters at the wet lab.
Because the surface of the plaster was casted very roughly, I used sand paper to make them look more refined.
As the objective of this project was to create an interrelated sculpture, I used wooden dowels to connect each element.
Final Structure
Because I had so much fun with our first project, the wooden parabolic structure, I was a bit worried that this project would not suit me. However, in the end, I quite enjoyed casting plasters and even made 9 plasters. My idea for this project was to make an interrelated sculpture which portrayed human relationship. I used a simple triangular shape to portray the complexity of life and the intertwined relationships through this dynamic composition. The process was fun, but at the same time, The overall process was extremely difficult. Because of the characteristic of plaster — first wet, then solid — I had to maintain patience to finalise this project. I feel like if I had more experience, I could have done better. However, considering that this was my first time engaging with plaster I am, like my wooden sculpture, quite satisfied with my final outcome.
