< CLAY & CERAMICS
PLASTER WASTE MOULDING
The waste mould is a relatively simple method of creating a hard plaster copy from a soft clay model. The plaster copy is easily transported, can be reproduction moulded with little fear of sustaining serious damage. The resulting plaster cast can also be sharpened and refined by the artist in a to a degree not always possible in clay. The sculptor can even tint the plaster cast with a pigment to help determine the most appropriate patina colour for the finished work.
To make a waste mould, the artist or technician presses a SHIM border into the clay model, dividing the model in two. First one side of the shimed clay, then the other, has a plaster case built up to create a mould of two [or more] pieces. The plaster casing is pulled away from the clay, the clay is then removed and the 'negative image' plaster mould pieces are cleaned. The mould can then be reunited, secured and filled (with plaster, ciment fondue or other robust material). The artist then carefully chips away the plaster case to reveal the underlying copy of the clay original.
Some of the finest examples of waste moulding can be seen in the plaster works of the French sculptor August Rodin (1840-1917). Many of Rodin’s plaster sculptures were specifically created for art foundry use (as master patterns). What makes Rodin’s work particularly interesting is his common habit of leaving shim division lines across the surface his cast plasters as an intrinsic feature. From these seam lines, the viewer can gain an insight into the working methods used for the construction of the waste mould. Many plasters copies of Rodin’s sculptures are still in existence, unfortunately not all of these are believed to be ‘authentic’ (copies produced to the sculptor’s direction and under studio supervision). The best places to view examples of Rodin’s plaster work are the Museé Rodin and nearby Museé D’Orsay in Paris.
DIRECT PLASTER PATTERNS >
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This portrait head is typical of plaster patterns sent to foundries for casting. Robust and accurate, plaster of Paris is a material that usually fulfils the creative requirements of the sculptor and technical needs of the art founder.
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