Page 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Plasters
Concrete
Wax
Polymer Clay
Plastics 1 2 3
Rubber
Ceramics
Chocolate & Ice

Chapter 4: Sculpture & Casting Media
An overview of contemporary choices.

Ceramics (Mineral Clays):

Ceramics is the general term for the art of making things from clay, earthenware or porcelain which typically includes treatment by heating to relatively high temperatures. This can be done by modeling or by casting, our area of interest.
Clay can be pressed into molds, rammed between die molds (see Chapter 3) or poured as a liquid which is called "slip". Slip casting must be done in a mold which can absorb the moisture from the clay slip and pass it to the outside surface where the moisture evaporates.
This "wicking" process leaves a deposit of clay (called the "body") around the inside of the mold. The longer the slip stays inside the mold the thicker this body gets. When these walls of clay get to the desired width, the still liquid slip in the center is poured out to be used again. The residual body is unveiled, touched up and usually, depending on the type of clay, any additives and the artist's methods, baked or "fired". This initial heat treatment is called "bisque".
Later, the bisque artifact is coated with glazes and fired again, sometimes several times to create finished piece of great beauty. And, in recent years the almost, science fiction abilities of modern ceramic technology has become legendary.
In LifeCasting™ the process can produce stunning works of art but, it all has to go through the only kind of mold that has the needed characteristics – plaster. One way or another you must create a plaster mold of the LifeCast™ to hold the clay slip.
Fortunately this is easy to do with the Earthium™ since it can perform as both temporary mold and cast with no compatibility problems with any type of plaster.
Of course the typical approach of pouring either our ArtCAST™ or other type of gypsum plaster into an Earthium™ mold will generate a positive which can then be sculpted and remolded in plaster for ceramics. That positive must be coated with something to prevent sticking which can obscure fine details. This approach also limits the complexity of shape since the neither the mold nor the object is flexible.
More interesting, is to use the Earthium™ as the casting medium, capturing even the finest detail. This generates a slippery, temporary positive which can be directly coated with plaster with no sticking or loss of detail. Plus this method is much faster.
Copyright © 1987 through 2003 by MSWinn. Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net!
ToP
1/18/03

LifeCast™ & MSW Creative Works Legal Information:

Contents of this web site (lifecast.net) and all life cast materials and other art and sculpture products or lifecast kit packaging, art techniques and sculpture instructions copyright © 1986-2002 by Mark S. Winn. All rights reserved. The terms BODY PARTS™, LifeCast™, ChildCast™, StudioPack™, ArtForm™, ArtCast™, Earthium™, Earthium(f/x)™, ShrinKast™, PolyART™, WaterTrap™, BlendBag™, Successful Creativity Guarantee™, LifeMask™, FastMask™ as well as the phrase "Make YourSelf Immortal!™" and any other art materials product or craft item denoted by a small 'TM' (such as in LifeCast™) are trademarks. The phrases life cast and life casting or the words lifecast and lifecasting are generic.
Our LifeCast™ products or other sculpture, mold making and art materials products are are entirely safe within the context of arts & crafts when used as directed. Other arts & crafts materials shown here each carry their own warnings and degrees of safety. They are available for use as creative mediums AT YOUR OWN RISK and since we cannot control the actual use of these art products, we disclaim any responsibility for damage or injury caused by incorrect or experimental life cast, sculpture, life mask, erotic art or other mold making or creative applications.
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN: These arts & crafts materials may be used with children of any age but should never be used by an unsupervised child. A "child" is defined by law as anyone under the age of 18 years. Our art, lifecast or sculpture product prohibitions against unsupervised use by children therefore applies to all persons under that age. "Supervised" by definition means at all times, through each step of any use of our life cast or other art materials. Such supervision must be by an adult over the age of 18 years while using the BODY PARTS™ LifeCast™ kits or other life cast, sculpture and art materials.
Our life cast, sculpture and other art materials should never be used by anyone who cannot read, understand and apply the language in which the lifecast, sculpture or art materials' instructions appear. The terms of said language are exclusively defined in any standard, widely accepted and comprehensive dictionary of that language and are meant to be construed in no other manner.
Purchase and/or use of our life cast, sculpture or other art materials implies your understanding and acceptance of these reasonable terms. If you do not agree, for any reason, please do not purchase or use our lifecast, sculpture, mold making or other arts & crafts products.
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge. It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement d or prejudice to third party rights through the use of our products. MSW GUARANTEES THAT ITS PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH ITS SALES SPECIFICATIONS. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are responsible for ensuing compliance with local legislations and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that they are in possession of the latest version of this document.
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