Flexible Molds: Parting Seams and Sculptural Concepts

Catalog description

ART 432 FLEXIBLE MOLDS: PARTING SEAMS & SCULPTURAL CONCEPTS introduces the relevancy of producing material specific multiples in a contemporary sculptural practice. It will offer students a broad understanding of the conceptual ramifications of molding an object and referencing a "mass-produced" look verses casting in a organic "fused form" way. Technical information on how to make one, two and three (+) part flexible molds in urethane compounds to be cast in concept relevant materials is emphasized. While the technical mold making and casting applications learned will be consistent for all members of the class, the results of the skills learned are expected to fold into each individual's artistic strengths differently. These technical skills are folded into three projects. The intent of these is to refine the students' craftpersonship in relation to constructing a mold and see construction precision as a portal to an expansive approach to casting. These multiple types of casting processes are expected to fold into projects that incorporate multiple genres. The course prerequisites, ART 230 or ART 280 allow for beginning level students to take the course while its 400 level welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students. If a student may repeat the class, the content of the class customizes to match the students increased technical skill. With repeating students, a more advanced approach to realizing individually proposed project ideas is expected.