sculpture

2023: Entombed in plain sight

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This is a project for my Master of Fine Art Studio 2 course. It consisted of an installation of bound cuttlebones, demonstrating innovation to transform an unsuccessful experiment into a beacon of hope. As shown in the image below this work features plaster-bound cuttlebones floating in space and time, trapped for eternity in acrylic trophy boxes. The work traverses a regenerative arc, first repurposed as a memorial to extinction and then evolving into a post-human life-form.

The use of green wax to coat the cuttlebones is symbolic. While originally a technical necessity for casting (green wax being the only colour available), the colour suggests chlorophyll and in turn photosynthesis, nature’s non-destructive way of converting light into energy.

Hence while intended to memorialise sea-life, colour and composition opened up the narrative possibility of an absurdist form of post-human life, and concurrently, the redemptive possibilities of solar energy. The intended affect was thus amusement, and hope at the transformative possibilities of recycling.

Photograph by Elizabeth Cole of plaster-bound cuttlebones in acrylic boxes on legs. Materials: cuttlebones, wax, plaster bandages, acrylic and metal. Dimensions: boxes 32 wide x 23 deep x 20 cm high, legs 38 cm wide x 45 cm high. Dimension per assembly approx. 34 cm wide and 65 cm high. Level 3 Building 49, RMIT 2023.
Photograph by Elizabeth Cole of plaster-bound cuttlebones in acrylic boxes, mounted on legs in the corridor, mobilised for flight. Level 3 Building 49 RMIT. 2023.

Plaster casting fantastical animal heads

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Wow, today I had a blast making plaster casts of fantastical animal heads.

In sculpture class over the last few weeks we have been making plaster casts from clay moulds. It has been a great experience. A bit like the process of print making but in 3D. It is so much fun that I couldn’t wait to try out some more experiments.

So yesterday I got some materials from Barnes in Richmond (plaster powder, marble chips, latex and a silicon moulding kit). Today I made plaster casts at home, using plaster containing 25% marble chips. I was inspired by Ai Wei Wei’s Zodiac Head animal sculptures. It is challenging to think in reverse 3D. The initial examples are per the attached photos. These photos show the works fresh from the mould. I’m looking forward to the next stage in the process!