Registration of the projected animation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZH1XDxos5Di95wQfT3mbIgRM28uNtjEd4LH_8izPLLnX9JUhYMc_PepLGm7AOzEhysBQOIHSVQYU8rWI6QF5ZIpDrzHqE7yPHygSU_cQgUJ4tM7vKD2VtOCS4oldcGcQI7MPUaok9XA/s1600/Projected+animation+the+start+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZH1XDxos5Di95wQfT3mbIgRM28uNtjEd4LH_8izPLLnX9JUhYMc_PepLGm7AOzEhysBQOIHSVQYU8rWI6QF5ZIpDrzHqE7yPHygSU_cQgUJ4tM7vKD2VtOCS4oldcGcQI7MPUaok9XA/s400/Projected+animation+the+start+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Checking the registration of the projection at the start of the installation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIkfaBNpfI3T3cmnmMBXqJ1VoCxQucbJakqFwc02zHvDzcKtJqfRSU8UT539Z9mjH_F6xHYbUuAFICUWGkiJAf4Fr2mZFgYsBXQxPvtW3LhkNRRJvNhTpbVKnrn-xQMBuEvmhqGTLRc8/s1600/working+on+the+registration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIkfaBNpfI3T3cmnmMBXqJ1VoCxQucbJakqFwc02zHvDzcKtJqfRSU8UT539Z9mjH_F6xHYbUuAFICUWGkiJAf4Fr2mZFgYsBXQxPvtW3LhkNRRJvNhTpbVKnrn-xQMBuEvmhqGTLRc8/s200/working+on+the+registration.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">It is vital to plan the size of the installation, matching the ceramic installation with the envisaged projected animation. I need to design and construct a base for the ceramics to be displayed on.  It has to be the right height to achieve a balance between the size of the decoy ducks and the images in the animation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjKiHEletwisK1l_u-5DmpBYZ2ndqAYYO4gKteZoDMp2CUsSIwUullTirbKTDmFEwwjKhPNsLQxiPAUa-Mt5_tYE_vIhaLScgod2Mw0xADvLZzjc3j5mqiqgBq-6UqBzx5B_WZNpMzsc/s1600/Decoy-duck+for+registration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjKiHEletwisK1l_u-5DmpBYZ2ndqAYYO4gKteZoDMp2CUsSIwUullTirbKTDmFEwwjKhPNsLQxiPAUa-Mt5_tYE_vIhaLScgod2Mw0xADvLZzjc3j5mqiqgBq-6UqBzx5B_WZNpMzsc/s400/Decoy-duck+for+registration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Not too low, making it impossible for the viewer to really appreciate and engage the sculptural form and shape of the decoy ducks. It also cant be too high as the size of the decoy ducks determines the maximum height one can go with the projector. The drawings will not fit the actual ceramic work if the distance between the installation and the projector is not sufficient.  I also need to determine how many of the decoy ducks could fit into the oval shape of the anticipated projection. Aligning all these aspects is vital to the success of the entire statement.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD8hdXp6Jea_FvSJ3hvS2pxmi6y_i7v8DRfjLvGgke8Fx2NXkDB__z6g7kZMyU81UEhtg_LdbhwyuLzFxIdSel3K5D8jdXNc6QwxETg2KxMm0a_73MOKIykh-O4mN_9sQnbcAJWqpQ0Q/s1600/decoy+duck+top+view+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD8hdXp6Jea_FvSJ3hvS2pxmi6y_i7v8DRfjLvGgke8Fx2NXkDB__z6g7kZMyU81UEhtg_LdbhwyuLzFxIdSel3K5D8jdXNc6QwxETg2KxMm0a_73MOKIykh-O4mN_9sQnbcAJWqpQ0Q/s400/decoy+duck+top+view+two.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I have painted the decoy-ducks a semi-sheen acrylic white paint to ensure that the projection is clear and all the detail is captured on the works.  The entire installation will be in a darkened space of the gallery. I am in the process of obtaining a high definition projector to ensure maximum clarity of the projected animation It is one week to complete the entire installation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPNECWHRJWyfosXMGQ5DvwnQ5UkNsWMvMJ7hstMuP3LYPdyZW4vnqN6IOBPv98ijGQeXe8Oh0FnsCbhDhZnNTDnJjiGV92QemGM2OAtF686nIbcWm1D6L-pvULTkpzkj4bq8fwaQQwYM/s1600/studio+shot+of+finishing+of+the+decoy-ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPNECWHRJWyfosXMGQ5DvwnQ5UkNsWMvMJ7hstMuP3LYPdyZW4vnqN6IOBPv98ijGQeXe8Oh0FnsCbhDhZnNTDnJjiGV92QemGM2OAtF686nIbcWm1D6L-pvULTkpzkj4bq8fwaQQwYM/s400/studio+shot+of+finishing+of+the+decoy-ducks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">The exhibition opens on Monday the 9^th of May. Not much time left to get everything finalized. Next Thursday everything has to be completed. I have slip cast all the decoy-ducks. Some of the decoy-ducks are being fired and assembled whilst others are drying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div></div>

Registration of the projected animation

Checking the registration of the projection at the start of the installation. It is vital to plan the size of the installation, matching the...

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Slip-casting the decoy-duck; step-by-step

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEWj5YZl83HmrldOd6Guen9dD3b9-RD6rXh87xdqC9WAM_t01MklmiDV0UyrP1C9bNQ9rqU_T2zenZbFu2zMWx0JoPCsqu3BQoOfhTqwTolqwaK_eowN2-FQXmuMdNc9tvmxtTK28kP4/s1600/Fettling+the+slip-cast+products+with+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEWj5YZl83HmrldOd6Guen9dD3b9-RD6rXh87xdqC9WAM_t01MklmiDV0UyrP1C9bNQ9rqU_T2zenZbFu2zMWx0JoPCsqu3BQoOfhTqwTolqwaK_eowN2-FQXmuMdNc9tvmxtTK28kP4/s400/Fettling+the+slip-cast+products+with+tools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is probably nothing as rewarding as removing a slip-cast product from the mould for the first time. All your hard work, finishing off the prototype, and refining all the detail,  is revealed in the cast. It is always a magical experience, especially for students who are introduced to the process for the first time. The modeling of the prototype and the making of the moulds is a daunting task for most. But the rewards are manifold, especially when the process runs smoothly; when the split lines were done correctly, and one has established the procedure (sequence) for removing the various pieces of the mould, so as not to damage the fragile slip-cast product.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4RHcg9WEE6dU_k86gVlto_5piWY9D7yI1D3OOerE2T1G75n0frJ30IB5OOy-XFVckEQb8O_GGNSBj0b7RKgTCxErZkfPGKmoopOHoHTRp-BcNcVVg_h2wkuJtRmcHmAEoiVo6sD3Sdk/s1600/studio+shot+of+slip-cast+decoy+duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4RHcg9WEE6dU_k86gVlto_5piWY9D7yI1D3OOerE2T1G75n0frJ30IB5OOy-XFVckEQb8O_GGNSBj0b7RKgTCxErZkfPGKmoopOHoHTRp-BcNcVVg_h2wkuJtRmcHmAEoiVo6sD3Sdk/s400/studio+shot+of+slip-cast+decoy+duck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpdO6K8aKIIrQvF2acnAQTtaopzKUYfTHHaBGdsP0W48YoyU5tyZ2RjNhWVd8aYeXXoGmQgXtc79UthsALakZKl9MsQf8ICG1xi26wXkDZiB_Xjl3MMw5vWjV8nxfAYmWWdzlqmTaUc8/s1600/slip+cast+set-up+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpdO6K8aKIIrQvF2acnAQTtaopzKUYfTHHaBGdsP0W48YoyU5tyZ2RjNhWVd8aYeXXoGmQgXtc79UthsALakZKl9MsQf8ICG1xi26wXkDZiB_Xjl3MMw5vWjV8nxfAYmWWdzlqmTaUc8/s200/slip+cast+set-up+two.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Preparing the mould</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is arguably the most important aspect of the slip-casting process. Ensuring the pieces are secured tightly. I normally make use of rubber tire inner tubes, cut into strips. However, for larger moulds they are often not strong enough, and for the first time today, I made use of large cable ties.  I joined a number of them together to be able to go round the mould. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KPJCPAY4_H9z4H6Pi9caQa3iU6h8x8L7q4JtndWzULEcCPSb6ewoGvnuduRyTnA-thZ0wmIP1cFmV9Bf-yB18kruGatSPMp8DA7h1DuZBCa7X2ywqysbH6ilcOD4R-lttfpd7NfgBOQ/s1600/slip-cast+mistake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KPJCPAY4_H9z4H6Pi9caQa3iU6h8x8L7q4JtndWzULEcCPSb6ewoGvnuduRyTnA-thZ0wmIP1cFmV9Bf-yB18kruGatSPMp8DA7h1DuZBCa7X2ywqysbH6ilcOD4R-lttfpd7NfgBOQ/s200/slip-cast+mistake.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The slip can burst through the gaps (see image on left) where the various mould pieces join up. It is therefore critical that  all the pieces are secured properly and tight enough to hold shape when the excess slip is poured out. More about that further down the blog post. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnc4-TMKd5zpQuIRefmy1toDI10NJxFCYkhUww-JQsteyAnausQ1ITn00nbl90z1XMpU35-KrfcuH9mKRjthf4mxlklf484ENtyhFy6cVidzO9mdgmCRtiBK7soOLD04u0_-jLWpq58o/s1600/slip-cast+set-up%253B+legs+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnc4-TMKd5zpQuIRefmy1toDI10NJxFCYkhUww-JQsteyAnausQ1ITn00nbl90z1XMpU35-KrfcuH9mKRjthf4mxlklf484ENtyhFy6cVidzO9mdgmCRtiBK7soOLD04u0_-jLWpq58o/s640/slip-cast+set-up%253B+legs+two.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhYrorSDk_3lzDsrWLwtQXOzUKeo5mRKSCvTdMDk6t7CnAGD9tMQtzvZncgXzgpSC8CZDuDvvcIubHgni_bxuLJaZKXDsQRZIOqyJRzi1-y9kbtTWKZTCrZluzJv1WpTAxfhChPImm_Q/s1600/slip0cast+process+close-up+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhYrorSDk_3lzDsrWLwtQXOzUKeo5mRKSCvTdMDk6t7CnAGD9tMQtzvZncgXzgpSC8CZDuDvvcIubHgni_bxuLJaZKXDsQRZIOqyJRzi1-y9kbtTWKZTCrZluzJv1WpTAxfhChPImm_Q/s200/slip0cast+process+close-up+final.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pouring in the slip – slip cast process.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your moulds have to be dry. The water is being absorbed from the slip right up against the mould. The process takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Under normal circumstances, the slip build-up (thickness of the slip) should be about six centimeters after the fifteen – twenty minutes. </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNQH51gI6x923eHwe6RLnQ4jbK4tKVUAjg4SHYgi_7xz_I_51xUhfKjQlzVv2_kWDBIch7yp1nbybae3WsQIxyOjxWpp9fNsKoS7mO25HLQj6P4LJQO-jd3a0G_urbM_s04TuCDHoeN0/s1600/slip-cast+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNQH51gI6x923eHwe6RLnQ4jbK4tKVUAjg4SHYgi_7xz_I_51xUhfKjQlzVv2_kWDBIch7yp1nbybae3WsQIxyOjxWpp9fNsKoS7mO25HLQj6P4LJQO-jd3a0G_urbM_s04TuCDHoeN0/s400/slip-cast+tools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I make use of a timer as one inevitably forget. It also allows one to get on with other work whilst the process unfolds. When casting a fresh batch of mixed slip, it is necessary to test the build-up of slip in the pouring-spout. By blowing at the edge of the pouring spout, one can see the slip thickness (build-up) clearly. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCo81rXzsoEMJ7LyQHfoTPAanGojJz2lKWvMz9EJEg1TUpZZqHtVN2vCN3jiu2dhe7s2BwN0psRu1VuRkoobCx7n5crSPrxRrOq0ntScVc6C7ATskvrX8TbRsY5NOyscI2dvMq-QWkp8/s1600/siving+the+slip+after+every+cast+is+essential.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCo81rXzsoEMJ7LyQHfoTPAanGojJz2lKWvMz9EJEg1TUpZZqHtVN2vCN3jiu2dhe7s2BwN0psRu1VuRkoobCx7n5crSPrxRrOq0ntScVc6C7ATskvrX8TbRsY5NOyscI2dvMq-QWkp8/s200/siving+the+slip+after+every+cast+is+essential.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When using an old batch of slip make sure to sieve it first. This is necessary to remove dry bits of slip that fell into the bucket when emptying out the slip during the slip casting process (see image on the left). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the desired thickness is achieved, in this case I left it longer - the moulds were not that dry yet and because the piece was lager than most products I have cast. The product is therefore slightly thicker.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxKxDWu4nIuJFKvLNuJSt4Wsex7XmOqJPOnUgbYoBDSLzlQrtPex5pjQqXiwj3raVWCoqWomE_Hd3McOg6rxbMmh_LsWpwBgRXzyINExDuqr5jDgDA-iQ6Hssq1BRX39xnRU9DaWCwPU/s1600/pouring+out+the+slip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxKxDWu4nIuJFKvLNuJSt4Wsex7XmOqJPOnUgbYoBDSLzlQrtPex5pjQqXiwj3raVWCoqWomE_Hd3McOg6rxbMmh_LsWpwBgRXzyINExDuqr5jDgDA-iQ6Hssq1BRX39xnRU9DaWCwPU/s640/pouring+out+the+slip.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pouring out the slip</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pouring the slip out can be a tricky business especially when the moulds are big and heavy and needs careful planning. I cast on a chair to be in a position to bend the mould over with a vessel on the floor, next to the chair, for the excess slip being poured out, to be poured into. Once the excess slip is poured out, it is much easier to pick the mould up and swirl it around as one waits for the slip to pour out. This process ensures that the slip is evenly poured out of the mould. One has to leave the mould standing upside down for all the slip to drain out of the mould. Leave the mould at an angle. Make use of a wooden stick placed on one side of the mould – to ensure the pouring-spout is raised from the floor.  It will stick to the surface and create problems when lifting the mould.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxoALBLA_dl2dcuJRulhIWp7dC0-drYzzoaWsCTftosyvfHFtjcX5BrSUnnuHmOlXn1tp5E1l7pQo2azfuYHoJlJ-7OB7K9cur8NdfCjq77oaRRUTmJIMqBvPYCCJnlyau591LSmN4qQ/s1600/fettling+the+pouring+spout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxoALBLA_dl2dcuJRulhIWp7dC0-drYzzoaWsCTftosyvfHFtjcX5BrSUnnuHmOlXn1tp5E1l7pQo2azfuYHoJlJ-7OB7K9cur8NdfCjq77oaRRUTmJIMqBvPYCCJnlyau591LSmN4qQ/s400/fettling+the+pouring+spout.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyQYM1wb17FDGZRPuhls4y9mQ3jhsQ1woOT1QoBAIU-gtQXdjBZO5CpepDgRfHM3hTfe3mNjmex9vnPk7OiW8O_S4zOtBDnMEk2TQQWv3eHQKSQtIhiBSNi6sYa4fpKkCWF0mYdPx1d0/s1600/removing+the+pouring+spout+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyQYM1wb17FDGZRPuhls4y9mQ3jhsQ1woOT1QoBAIU-gtQXdjBZO5CpepDgRfHM3hTfe3mNjmex9vnPk7OiW8O_S4zOtBDnMEk2TQQWv3eHQKSQtIhiBSNi6sYa4fpKkCWF0mYdPx1d0/s200/removing+the+pouring+spout+close-up.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Releasing the slip-cast product from the moulds.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After twenty minutes I turn the mould the right side up and cut the pouring spout out. I then remove the pouring-spout mould to speed-up the drying process. After an hour one can start the tricky process of removing the rather thick moulds from the fragile slip-cast product. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6u2gnn-1cx2BWhSw_bpglvJ3fvCic26hDr-21UEgRefFw7GBcuwafH8QxmOlsjFiY0MCR2scoVycJYBObk0UGl-kiHRp7IVYquDoMjb4DHzEB0KUioUZR_H-6kDANZLe3Ylj3IMkEJI/s1600/releasing+slip+cast+from+mould+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6u2gnn-1cx2BWhSw_bpglvJ3fvCic26hDr-21UEgRefFw7GBcuwafH8QxmOlsjFiY0MCR2scoVycJYBObk0UGl-kiHRp7IVYquDoMjb4DHzEB0KUioUZR_H-6kDANZLe3Ylj3IMkEJI/s200/releasing+slip+cast+from+mould+one.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care to work out which parts of the mould should be removed first, leaving the product to dry further until it is dry enough and strong enough to support itself and be removed in its entirety. The slip cast product starts to shrink and one must not leave it too long in the dry moulds. Often the first slip-cast product (from a new mould) can stick to the mould. This leads to the first cast being rejected. I was lucky this time, everything went smoothly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-sYXquR2oJUum47Ur_H6-n1wVJ8gnJT_e2T9YebD99C8Vr_Nd8Bz0V3sFHeXNlwL1mXdVryV7TQ0_ky3mOOAEhbah8ffLLydXRAkjiDC72G_UwrjGQMkqXmt7czg6CZegWEZPRg-s4/s1600/first+piece+of+mould+removed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-sYXquR2oJUum47Ur_H6-n1wVJ8gnJT_e2T9YebD99C8Vr_Nd8Bz0V3sFHeXNlwL1mXdVryV7TQ0_ky3mOOAEhbah8ffLLydXRAkjiDC72G_UwrjGQMkqXmt7czg6CZegWEZPRg-s4/s400/first+piece+of+mould+removed.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKbV4Ccn2NGKi3IV_IJEFHmIRo1-oQrrqYl2NIzzI3NCl0dQ7js_VXxRxBbtCR1v9B6TMTbLKY9g2VBz5Bv_7n8MbCiCVshD8SmsUUarZiYIdoWtuKjasl5ysvTC5bS2I7dWhtU-_9Jg/s1600/releasing+slip-cast+from+mould+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKbV4Ccn2NGKi3IV_IJEFHmIRo1-oQrrqYl2NIzzI3NCl0dQ7js_VXxRxBbtCR1v9B6TMTbLKY9g2VBz5Bv_7n8MbCiCVshD8SmsUUarZiYIdoWtuKjasl5ysvTC5bS2I7dWhtU-_9Jg/s400/releasing+slip-cast+from+mould+two.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYhqVD4gsVpn27hQLW8-aUjb2X5kzF040gwHDuQkuGnJAANrWZjRZxKSTZXgkOQQW-dgwKZ1wgSKMpxHldNgiVIwESY_8f39WLgkxiw0A8GYX8tOqnAnFeZ3HodmtYo9cNOArUg3Xp0/s1600/slip-cast+legs+in+the+mould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYhqVD4gsVpn27hQLW8-aUjb2X5kzF040gwHDuQkuGnJAANrWZjRZxKSTZXgkOQQW-dgwKZ1wgSKMpxHldNgiVIwESY_8f39WLgkxiw0A8GYX8tOqnAnFeZ3HodmtYo9cNOArUg3Xp0/s400/slip-cast+legs+in+the+mould.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQvQN83NeW0YGHJdHbz4SQvzQHNB0fUeSz-Yw0pIc0gVovXwFeGGx5Iw4TXf0bfAoo5RRszfFyF4Hp57NHs0qsPk2HmHzNEx8hsAZZLgFfWlxEZOGCYDtSJqkUC7rGs1c9e7S572Q2K8/s1600/slip-cast+legs+od+decoy-duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQvQN83NeW0YGHJdHbz4SQvzQHNB0fUeSz-Yw0pIc0gVovXwFeGGx5Iw4TXf0bfAoo5RRszfFyF4Hp57NHs0qsPk2HmHzNEx8hsAZZLgFfWlxEZOGCYDtSJqkUC7rGs1c9e7S572Q2K8/s200/slip-cast+legs+od+decoy-duck.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fettling the slip cast product.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the slip-cast product is dry and strong enough, one can start the fettling process, getting rid of the slip-cast seams caused by the gaps in the split-moulds. Only then can one begin to refine the rather fragile form and define the detail if and where necessary. Often edges break in the mould, when removing the solid prototype. As a result it becomes necessary to remove the excess slip build-up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyO-qdGPz7gbl8n6Z1PmcHDV-y40DEDVoaSmEiybgYXevTe5LCA-TnpyqSXAvge9ItJBLlabUMhyps_AmI-AGsfDDqiquZ6W6ZmjEj4vOiiifP6e_5vTHq_rY20uWbEj7fnpGsG6GqIk/s1600/top+view+od+slip-cast+decoy+duck+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyO-qdGPz7gbl8n6Z1PmcHDV-y40DEDVoaSmEiybgYXevTe5LCA-TnpyqSXAvge9ItJBLlabUMhyps_AmI-AGsfDDqiquZ6W6ZmjEj4vOiiifP6e_5vTHq_rY20uWbEj7fnpGsG6GqIk/s200/top+view+od+slip-cast+decoy+duck+one.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slip dries quickly and working fast is necessary. I prefer to finish-off the product before it dries completely. Working on a dry slip-cast product is dangerous, the dust being a health and safety issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further more, the product is very fragile when dry, and sponging the product at the leather-hard stage has the advantage therefore, of repairing any damage caused during the removal of the fragile slip-cast product from the mould.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5T99be-8xGU_oDV5a6e3XJ0L42ui80GWPGIFO4y62cgaf5NgUaZdkQERhoTjWRffvnjEGeDCj2nVbhCCFeljXf34YQ_D3_hDVdtQLhbZD0jT6nhltVVu0iZMRIPu0j2FENe63qedQc/s1600/fetling+the+slip-cast+decoy-duck+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a5T99be-8xGU_oDV5a6e3XJ0L42ui80GWPGIFO4y62cgaf5NgUaZdkQERhoTjWRffvnjEGeDCj2nVbhCCFeljXf34YQ_D3_hDVdtQLhbZD0jT6nhltVVu0iZMRIPu0j2FENe63qedQc/s400/fetling+the+slip-cast+decoy-duck+side+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>

Slip-casting the decoy-duck; step-by-step

There is probably nothing as rewarding as removing a slip-cast product from the mould for the first time. All your hard work, finishing off ...

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Decoy-duck the moulds

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysj7i7hsPe8c4h9autpTFXNmrGfUqFAzzpLWC0sy-n-GLdzMoLBKsvtV_sXsFYTANRud6CAYlo9vnPb1Nrp8JFkbiAXQh2GfPHX71cGtEQakXpJ8Nily5oDIqKnexyk2_okUHVP53DzI/s1600/moulds+and+prototypes+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysj7i7hsPe8c4h9autpTFXNmrGfUqFAzzpLWC0sy-n-GLdzMoLBKsvtV_sXsFYTANRud6CAYlo9vnPb1Nrp8JFkbiAXQh2GfPHX71cGtEQakXpJ8Nily5oDIqKnexyk2_okUHVP53DzI/s400/moulds+and+prototypes+side+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moulds for the decoy duck</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">The next stage is mould-making.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">This is a complex process, especially when you intend to slip cast the products instead of press-moulding. For a detailed and visual account of my <a href="http://eugenehon.blogspot.com/2009/04/rat-going-into-bondage.html">mould making technique</a> - follow the link. Slip-cast moulds are very different, because the thickness of the mould assists the slip-casting process. The dry moulds absorbing the water out of the slip. The moulds therefore have to be thicker than moulds for press-moulding, and more importantly, you need to ensure that most of the detail is captured in the mould. The thickness of the mould (in large sculptures) make the moulds very heavy, and separating the multiple piece moulds during the  slip-cast process, to remove the fragile slip product, can be tricky. Splitting a complex prototype such as the decoy-duck into various pieces requires experience. Various options should be considered to ensure less split lines, taking into account the best option to release the prototype from the mould and more importantly safeguarding the release of the fragile slip cast product. Press-moulding moulds are normally much thinner and reserved for sculptures that are much larger and as mentioned in a previous blog post, you don’t require as much detail at the prototype stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij0Wl3c8PXJXEEPYGMd7scWFP4j7yuNtos_H7jGSRysuJSPYl6JtWNOBRMMD-A5CxXIVyg3OzXz0IMMG54-e6lI12uVvsIyewu6URjQaf8_7lid6raXgaYAT7HkallwjWnr0dIloM9dk/s1600/prototype+and+half+the+mould+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij0Wl3c8PXJXEEPYGMd7scWFP4j7yuNtos_H7jGSRysuJSPYl6JtWNOBRMMD-A5CxXIVyg3OzXz0IMMG54-e6lI12uVvsIyewu6URjQaf8_7lid6raXgaYAT7HkallwjWnr0dIloM9dk/s400/prototype+and+half+the+mould+cast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prototype within the mould.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">These moulds were made for me by one of my students, Kenny Sonono, he successfully completed a B Tech in Ceramic Design in 2009 and graduated last year. I was under pressure to get the moulds done a.s.a.p. as the animator is starting the development of the projected animation next week. The moulds will have to be quick dried in the kiln over the next two to three days, set on soak at 40 degrees Celsius (max 55 degrees Celsius).</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUHHyralo6XVLGGkCNnUEViA_do2iJ89TUc77WxnWl8fckgg65JNK6Hc58BuxCx4g4KCUf8HTV51pfOIn4U66SwLuS2u1QLr6_R8w6RDblojraaQa8ChYQeQ-YE9JAiCTt7gwuYmP4Uc/s1600/side+view+of+prototype+and+half+the+mould+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUHHyralo6XVLGGkCNnUEViA_do2iJ89TUc77WxnWl8fckgg65JNK6Hc58BuxCx4g4KCUf8HTV51pfOIn4U66SwLuS2u1QLr6_R8w6RDblojraaQa8ChYQeQ-YE9JAiCTt7gwuYmP4Uc/s400/side+view+of+prototype+and+half+the+mould+side+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Close-up of decoy-duck torso in the mould.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

Decoy-duck the moulds

Moulds for the decoy duck The next stage is mould-making. This is a complex process, especially when you intend to slip cast the products in...

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Step by step modelling of my prototypes (Y2 Clay) Part two; the Decoy-duck

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0_fi7DIu_KRxm7cN7vaFStecndwTPDfiiLke36qMGr9KnWr4ZhEZgnip5c24jlHJeX37EtfpiZWsumuyVLVStkDw22Mcr2nz3HehAy-Jp8r2jf-XVlhjbyBHFCI7jyWx_OyykpIMBbw/s1600/Ready+for+mouldmaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0_fi7DIu_KRxm7cN7vaFStecndwTPDfiiLke36qMGr9KnWr4ZhEZgnip5c24jlHJeX37EtfpiZWsumuyVLVStkDw22Mcr2nz3HehAy-Jp8r2jf-XVlhjbyBHFCI7jyWx_OyykpIMBbw/s400/Ready+for+mouldmaking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prototype mould ready</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaYRQJ_gZMWv_TLf0YsgPoPw6C9zIj0n5U6HwzKkXus31Jq6Tdo4XbOJFSs0VsntlGPHnC1utqSve-pjd_wTXeH1OyUm0Ie6rkUQekAokhHLEz7efNHjztC_fNAUYDXjzMBKdhUlzs-k/s1600/refine+the+forms+side+view+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaYRQJ_gZMWv_TLf0YsgPoPw6C9zIj0n5U6HwzKkXus31Jq6Tdo4XbOJFSs0VsntlGPHnC1utqSve-pjd_wTXeH1OyUm0Ie6rkUQekAokhHLEz7efNHjztC_fNAUYDXjzMBKdhUlzs-k/s200/refine+the+forms+side+view+two.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The final stages in developing the prototype</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 4-7.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQwCVAnlYW44KDmZM4U3JdJ5s2Xi8y6nMMQP18MTo7gC3Uh6Bf-rj7J3X77dSz-Li4Ds7l9GvBBtegL8Ioh2IKdF3Ig4c7MoAfd1PRVOEoK89oJjk-tw5gOvRc2caWTvO5gjDcvbqrOc/s1600/DSC00659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQwCVAnlYW44KDmZM4U3JdJ5s2Xi8y6nMMQP18MTo7gC3Uh6Bf-rj7J3X77dSz-Li4Ds7l9GvBBtegL8Ioh2IKdF3Ig4c7MoAfd1PRVOEoK89oJjk-tw5gOvRc2caWTvO5gjDcvbqrOc/s640/DSC00659.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I always work frantically to get the general form and shape resolved, to a point where I am satisfied with the visual end result, beyond chaos if you like (take control and in control). I am generally impatient until the form and shape reaches the stage that I know I am on the right track and achieving the envisaged end result. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexe_BJwUuVZ4cN8_x7ynia0yLXeC-IY84wpPuIwKHp_Gbh3qgnrIIpDEVvFAqO0jzQwu3YhGYucZxeeb3ZobCNqWfYYDJnr-voyHozt3FYGteQDy3Q_zx_jH_EzRQBbALxXoCtpKH_P0/s1600/close+up+of+tool+for+rough+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexe_BJwUuVZ4cN8_x7ynia0yLXeC-IY84wpPuIwKHp_Gbh3qgnrIIpDEVvFAqO0jzQwu3YhGYucZxeeb3ZobCNqWfYYDJnr-voyHozt3FYGteQDy3Q_zx_jH_EzRQBbALxXoCtpKH_P0/s200/close+up+of+tool+for+rough+work.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">The next stage is time consuming and demands full concentration to ensure the forms and shapes are symmetrical and then only can the smoothing process begin. Never be impatient to the point that you compromise, this leads to reshaping and frustration. This next stage involves refining the forms and shapes using plaster carving tools to achieve the desired effect. I also make use of scrapping tools as indicated below. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFukvgwLtbtqSBPuItTHNjOCY5lWhUUiruHP_aLRtF7g_BXcM-NNZcUbp7T14-mfwmKDwO-6Nd8VN0GhlwYrCCWt8mRDtglzg-nXWGy7cfb_GyMx2LZD3AXBjfhdaA8v-ipHbYVGhyphenhyphen8Y/s1600/define+detail+and+refine+forms+smooth+surface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFukvgwLtbtqSBPuItTHNjOCY5lWhUUiruHP_aLRtF7g_BXcM-NNZcUbp7T14-mfwmKDwO-6Nd8VN0GhlwYrCCWt8mRDtglzg-nXWGy7cfb_GyMx2LZD3AXBjfhdaA8v-ipHbYVGhyphenhyphen8Y/s200/define+detail+and+refine+forms+smooth+surface.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">This part of the process is very tedious, but I take delight in refining the forms and defining every detail. It is very rewarding – each step is moving closer to the drawings and the completion of the final prototype. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt-Y8UPqhbvdc0fzQhXp5YaYPnPdfcJh_p05-M0fCkjM59r-Y1xU_Op5zWQGhqUM6iyjUMOMg6VD8E1LyTgBMABkXhs8ztPEWm57ItEFasvs_-CthwC_fw2ZuTjTKe0s0_or3tkaeU8s/s1600/prototype+and+cut+outs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt-Y8UPqhbvdc0fzQhXp5YaYPnPdfcJh_p05-M0fCkjM59r-Y1xU_Op5zWQGhqUM6iyjUMOMg6VD8E1LyTgBMABkXhs8ztPEWm57ItEFasvs_-CthwC_fw2ZuTjTKe0s0_or3tkaeU8s/s400/prototype+and+cut+outs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the first product released from the mould. The reward is just magic. Drawing, modeling and casting the mould is a very time consuming process, but slip casting and releasing the product from the mould makes it all worthwhile. Every hour a new product makes it appearance without any effort. No pain no gain. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6Kcij9pxsQwE77SEWzx0uvamZbs0OAQPPUa9vlzAFmLiam582ttzXDpiopy0psPKaWkR0L9NK3MlVEn2uueRRCp9gExlBz_Pox2J9K1Sasg4i5P0nEq24quXLmRABPUSLO_gmrMod-M/s1600/designing+the+base+and+carving+the+desired+effect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6Kcij9pxsQwE77SEWzx0uvamZbs0OAQPPUa9vlzAFmLiam582ttzXDpiopy0psPKaWkR0L9NK3MlVEn2uueRRCp9gExlBz_Pox2J9K1Sasg4i5P0nEq24quXLmRABPUSLO_gmrMod-M/s400/designing+the+base+and+carving+the+desired+effect.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carving the base.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The base.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Before defining the detail, it is best to resolve the base, especially for slip casting and when working within the framework of an ornament. This is normally a scale matter, such as a centerpiece that can easily be moved around, picked up and handled (see the bottom). Slip casting makes the piece light and can easily be turned upside down and be inspected. This is not the case with a freestanding press-moulded ceramic sculptures or larger scaled pieces that are permanently displayed on a base in a given space and or place. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDtu-IMLNmHZvUTVoO2JDc28Q_rQ3p9RWxd32Mio3q4yDhvxW7ud0qlrJDWcdrPHBlPgsaFwO3bFKBs2o6kXROcf1oEQY3ZzXoScMGGljNJgd0qy43M56OCamHvgThjr6bpVZ_pyU9M0/s1600/sculpting+and+refining+the+legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDtu-IMLNmHZvUTVoO2JDc28Q_rQ3p9RWxd32Mio3q4yDhvxW7ud0qlrJDWcdrPHBlPgsaFwO3bFKBs2o6kXROcf1oEQY3ZzXoScMGGljNJgd0qy43M56OCamHvgThjr6bpVZ_pyU9M0/s400/sculpting+and+refining+the+legs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Know the manufacturing process when developing the prototype.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11sSEDccPDQg83fwF1uWkvC_sgpkck8yuAtzP53KFdgBqOE-kfO7beLTPicuEApYfKIHTbxFGoKo0paVHYTcJ2wl43e0c8MiSHCb0wtpgWjd1bS2vDUgqcaUVX5IlA1K26E30JWcDBRs/s1600/full+figure+before+legs+collapse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11sSEDccPDQg83fwF1uWkvC_sgpkck8yuAtzP53KFdgBqOE-kfO7beLTPicuEApYfKIHTbxFGoKo0paVHYTcJ2wl43e0c8MiSHCb0wtpgWjd1bS2vDUgqcaUVX5IlA1K26E30JWcDBRs/s400/full+figure+before+legs+collapse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Prototypes for slip casting or press-moulding.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiCDPaYHiqAZalcynCWQAiU2oyQX4dCeD4ANapcAkTr7xnUH-WXH_9-I_GwzgaEW7-c3Q5gTQI8kqzhEVrhw0mcEB1YCDSlyC0Q8oJmI8o1RXrVqNYNE9ufuEjrNZuhMae7tVRhPWSXQ/s1600/detail+work+on+the+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiCDPaYHiqAZalcynCWQAiU2oyQX4dCeD4ANapcAkTr7xnUH-WXH_9-I_GwzgaEW7-c3Q5gTQI8kqzhEVrhw0mcEB1YCDSlyC0Q8oJmI8o1RXrVqNYNE9ufuEjrNZuhMae7tVRhPWSXQ/s200/detail+work+on+the+head.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">It can be very satisfying to see the final product take shape and see the two-dimensional image transform into a three dimensional object, complete with a refined base. This is particularly necessary when slip casting the final piece. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvZ0y1z3an9srSevBougtvYFN-uxwaFKS0JtSBqbkVJsXEX0IELEV5R7VXBbi8nV9VOfHiZ7ZmCx5W95tytiEBT6y4WOChYy4rrh-GP-ycKnT-tWBQbPpkXLDUEPJNMNCjxx9PYZpW2E/s1600/angle+shot+of+head+and+torso+prototype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvZ0y1z3an9srSevBougtvYFN-uxwaFKS0JtSBqbkVJsXEX0IELEV5R7VXBbi8nV9VOfHiZ7ZmCx5W95tytiEBT6y4WOChYy4rrh-GP-ycKnT-tWBQbPpkXLDUEPJNMNCjxx9PYZpW2E/s200/angle+shot+of+head+and+torso+prototype.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Every detail will be captured in the slip cast process and it is therefore necessary that the prototype be as close to the final drawing as is possible. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">There is no chance of reworking the form and or shape of the cast product. Press-moulding is the complete opposite and the prototype therefore requires far less refinement in terms of the forms and shapes. Detail is often lost in press-moulding and therefore best applied afterwards, to the sculpture directly. It provides far greater flexibility in terms of adding and altering the forms and shapes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7MrYgT7x0kwlIP4XkD2p9AeRkXBNstbWHagsLgs-ysuJassSp-5b3m2VQEfQrIrd-kQKxr0T2RaVcyWcMsxD4Aj66ARxvohM6XK33zITm2iXUTrtpFYrrbulG2iDMiRgYSS5Uup63ew/s1600/decoy-duck+torso+ready+for+casting+the+pl%253Baster+mould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7MrYgT7x0kwlIP4XkD2p9AeRkXBNstbWHagsLgs-ysuJassSp-5b3m2VQEfQrIrd-kQKxr0T2RaVcyWcMsxD4Aj66ARxvohM6XK33zITm2iXUTrtpFYrrbulG2iDMiRgYSS5Uup63ew/s400/decoy-duck+torso+ready+for+casting+the+pl%253Baster+mould.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Develop prototype at eye level and on a turning table</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">It is very necessary to have the prototype at eye level and being able to swivel/rotate the prototype while working on the forms and shapes, especially when the piece incorporates stylization and symmetry. It is even more important when defining the detail in symmetrical prototypes – especially the head of the decoy-duck (the eyes and cheeks etc). It is taxing enough to get the desired effect, but repeating it on both sides is even more demanding.  Especially when viewing the piece from all angles. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36xMI0haYXGukVEf8twBrBEMudrgy4j09pdVw0WZTQUJZ0izxzstekwOvD-Xlh4y6y2hiw5Jd_OAcvM7UhM-lHeBQC9FQdQg1U6_oNoZhnEHGng9skyYqo6ezPB9lLmt-izv-Mc7IsRQ/s1600/back+view+of+torso+and+head+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36xMI0haYXGukVEf8twBrBEMudrgy4j09pdVw0WZTQUJZ0izxzstekwOvD-Xlh4y6y2hiw5Jd_OAcvM7UhM-lHeBQC9FQdQg1U6_oNoZhnEHGng9skyYqo6ezPB9lLmt-izv-Mc7IsRQ/s400/back+view+of+torso+and+head+.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj5tVo75VHI2VbWhes_fOtBT1TWd81mLUPVU4sTrhjJZaSQRHmFHZyxjN0mwOuqAPEyCnaX8e9xI8iCd0ooRn0fDewUe70iIKUPmLggsq1b9YFnmpR0-QVm6uca0fHnBe3Dx5kwEOpuE/s1600/joing+the+two+parts+to+review+the+final+piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj5tVo75VHI2VbWhes_fOtBT1TWd81mLUPVU4sTrhjJZaSQRHmFHZyxjN0mwOuqAPEyCnaX8e9xI8iCd0ooRn0fDewUe70iIKUPmLggsq1b9YFnmpR0-QVm6uca0fHnBe3Dx5kwEOpuE/s400/joing+the+two+parts+to+review+the+final+piece.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat the two sides to join the prototype</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFP_ZISJxzk5LECJtltANhmJ9_70fO6HrVGOZQVcGoxaaZifNS95TSp6XImpmOTkdkp4z9jxVCffYzmw4jCAurbllbeyd8twqqF44cTxe6G6mSVbpIRal-LleA8O0vdVQqkiZ2bYoQbk/s1600/side+view+of+legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFP_ZISJxzk5LECJtltANhmJ9_70fO6HrVGOZQVcGoxaaZifNS95TSp6XImpmOTkdkp4z9jxVCffYzmw4jCAurbllbeyd8twqqF44cTxe6G6mSVbpIRal-LleA8O0vdVQqkiZ2bYoQbk/s640/side+view+of+legs.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">legs side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Step by step modelling of my prototypes (Y2 Clay) Part two; the Decoy-duck

Prototype mould ready The final stages in developing the prototype . Day 4-7. I always work frantically to get the general form and shape re...

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Step by step modelling of my prototypes (Y2 Clay) Part One; the Decoy-duck

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIw9yIJXI-LknpdYfvb1KBGgPElN2clLOBLa-UNYB_IjuibWmCFxDGdY_kSsh_11WaS7qLaJYgzph9XBXoRddx8aUWX8pcozPCMJnlr-PsCbr7hHg_VUzH2WuoJDzRXREx4qETb2JvT8/s1600/Drawing+and+decoy+duck+torso+and+head+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIw9yIJXI-LknpdYfvb1KBGgPElN2clLOBLa-UNYB_IjuibWmCFxDGdY_kSsh_11WaS7qLaJYgzph9XBXoRddx8aUWX8pcozPCMJnlr-PsCbr7hHg_VUzH2WuoJDzRXREx4qETb2JvT8/s400/Drawing+and+decoy+duck+torso+and+head+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prototype at the end of day two - unrefined, form and shape resolved.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Step by step modelling of my prototypes; the Decoy-duck (Day one and two).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">This blog entry provides a step by step account of my techniques and methods in modeling a prototype. In this case the symmetrical stylized decoy duck for my next ceramic installation. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB_6cbiM6Wmpa50lIQlacmX-sZjUp0_WLh6jqQDWh9MZYQ6IXNgCF_zq3YMU3KOBNKDlSZbMSb81q7oxdxsjnx6U04BRT7e4gHds0byeOZhQNSKJbS7PqaGGb5Uv-kFzc6Wz4WwZnc7M/s1600/Scaling+up+the+size+of+the+installation+and+the+decoy+duck+prototype+..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB_6cbiM6Wmpa50lIQlacmX-sZjUp0_WLh6jqQDWh9MZYQ6IXNgCF_zq3YMU3KOBNKDlSZbMSb81q7oxdxsjnx6U04BRT7e4gHds0byeOZhQNSKJbS7PqaGGb5Uv-kFzc6Wz4WwZnc7M/s400/Scaling+up+the+size+of+the+installation+and+the+decoy+duck+prototype+..jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIObr2eI-kyUo9ROqWhIPL7WM_BHrpFxAu4AZW6lxsYERfHiIY11gX7hKgL6mPJp-xP-eHzqN24Cf8O08OYWwSyy7AR6LABeqwg_RyndXA4_2Vnpa0i3qXX1Urtq970JeoMM6auydXPM/s1600/Decoy+duck+modeling+setup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIObr2eI-kyUo9ROqWhIPL7WM_BHrpFxAu4AZW6lxsYERfHiIY11gX7hKgL6mPJp-xP-eHzqN24Cf8O08OYWwSyy7AR6LABeqwg_RyndXA4_2Vnpa0i3qXX1Urtq970JeoMM6auydXPM/s200/Decoy+duck+modeling+setup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">First stage. Detailed drawings assist the modeling phase.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Followers of this blog will for the first time see the value of detailed drawings, especially in the case of modelling stylized and symmetrical prototypes. I enlarge the drawings using a photostatting machine; this is done to scale taking into account the manufacturing process, in this case it is to be slip casting and the shrinkage of the slip has to be incorporated (5-6%).  For the purpose of the installation with projection, it was necessary to do a side view and top view which came in very handy when doing the modelling. The above image is of the envisaged size of the installation. I fold the paper cut out of the enlarged drawing to get a view of the three-dimensional image to be modeled – to determine the size and scale of the installation. I photostatted the side view drawing in reverse to ensure that I can model the two halves of the torso separately and yet accurately – working on top of the actual enlarged drawings – using clear plastic as a base to protect the drawing while modeling. (Y2 clay does not stick to the plastic – see below). <o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaEQU64vpP7E-ZwC4U8_gdZN__gGBsUKCpCHIPeRp_tnr8_kaYijnLXhM-M0A_-m_HZQ46ur8yuhCTDKpVCqL1MBQpXpSj1662wWmORkYSEDV-z9kJ3CISU7PsW4mSFnLQyutcU5sO9Q/s1600/decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaEQU64vpP7E-ZwC4U8_gdZN__gGBsUKCpCHIPeRp_tnr8_kaYijnLXhM-M0A_-m_HZQ46ur8yuhCTDKpVCqL1MBQpXpSj1662wWmORkYSEDV-z9kJ3CISU7PsW4mSFnLQyutcU5sO9Q/s400/decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modelling with Y2 clay onto enlarged drawings.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYniizCUNtyFHJfcAH5uVa9-FE3oYUQDtPTzLG7vSLWa50mgy7cO9ekXvzrM-H6XybIdDfbBcRZv7ywlFX2B9w4mc8qOQ66kCW-NKH31bK2hHHRIJ_kDD2vBgtwBiEqosoNKahfnsRNZo/s1600/Decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYniizCUNtyFHJfcAH5uVa9-FE3oYUQDtPTzLG7vSLWa50mgy7cO9ekXvzrM-H6XybIdDfbBcRZv7ywlFX2B9w4mc8qOQ66kCW-NKH31bK2hHHRIJ_kDD2vBgtwBiEqosoNKahfnsRNZo/s200/Decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Modeling with Y2 Clay.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I make use of Y2-clay to do the modelling. It softens under low heat, and I therefore make use of a number of cheap bed-lamps fitted with 60watt spots to soften the clay. The spots direct the heat onto the supply of clay, ensuring it is pliable for modelling. A number of spots are also directed onto the modeled prototype to ensure the surface can be manipulated.  The lamps must not be too close to the supply batch of Y2 clay, as it melts and burns your hands when applying it to the prototype. Removing the light source will ensure the clay hardens and every detail is retained for the mould-making phase. The prototype constructed out of Y2 clay is normally very hard, and building the dividing walls for plaster casting in no way damages the prototype. Multiple moulds can therefor be produced using the same prototype and modeling clay. Besides the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">advantages</b> mentioned above, the fact that you don’t have to cover the prototype whilst modeling is a huge plus  (I modeled my prototypes in ordinary recycled clay- and the clay always had to be kept moist). The other major advantage is the fact that you seldom require an armature, as the Y2 clay is very light.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2BW_ezFpNZu96OYhe0shNqNbmWgfucGn8eDVGa-Jed21uXcRuKNnlA7fRFKOJnBxcTDsR8Oy0VzxsbnEogeLl_WLFTrnIf80wvT_enJ1k4KzAGZOKR3FMZhCPPXLqPFaGre7PxIFjwU/s1600/decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2BW_ezFpNZu96OYhe0shNqNbmWgfucGn8eDVGa-Jed21uXcRuKNnlA7fRFKOJnBxcTDsR8Oy0VzxsbnEogeLl_WLFTrnIf80wvT_enJ1k4KzAGZOKR3FMZhCPPXLqPFaGre7PxIFjwU/s400/decoy+duck+prototype+modeling+stage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-XuQSul7FJHV48QQ1BQe4E7qkfs9LoFkhBpuhHUaEJnWrVilsrXf01x_jsh4xIudgniPVhi2Stiw8zxreMiYx2AnK8ifVVGkgKIS_c9EjKe5ZU-u_iemzPqex90rhvkty-jrYzs-_4k/s1600/decoy+duck+torso+upright+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-XuQSul7FJHV48QQ1BQe4E7qkfs9LoFkhBpuhHUaEJnWrVilsrXf01x_jsh4xIudgniPVhi2Stiw8zxreMiYx2AnK8ifVVGkgKIS_c9EjKe5ZU-u_iemzPqex90rhvkty-jrYzs-_4k/s200/decoy+duck+torso+upright+.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Second stage.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">After modeling the two halves separately, I attach them to form the three-dimensional body/torso of the decoy duck. I then have to review the form and shape to ensure it meets sculptural expectations. In this case it has to be an exact replica of the drawing; a replica in three-dimensions of the two-dimensional renderings. At one point during the animation, to be projected onto the ceramic installation, the drawings of the decoy-duck will be projected onto the actual three-dimensional decoy-ducks (slip cast and fired to 1060). The ceramic decoy ducks therefore have to be exact replicas for the drawings to fit the actual ceramic products. Hence the meticulous process of matching the forms and shapes exactly to the up scaled photostatted drawings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0heP1DhWuLUVQMziXrgV-iZsARAempujqhyphenhyphenA_iP1h-AdxqhidkjM-02xHUHeAKwgRUePFWLZhTQ5Ph9Ri6RUfeq3PW5wxFy_wsl15ovsSDl9pWlSzfWbrdF_eUKJB76Z2o23f6IsL46M/s1600/decoy+duck+prototype+development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0heP1DhWuLUVQMziXrgV-iZsARAempujqhyphenhyphenA_iP1h-AdxqhidkjM-02xHUHeAKwgRUePFWLZhTQ5Ph9Ri6RUfeq3PW5wxFy_wsl15ovsSDl9pWlSzfWbrdF_eUKJB76Z2o23f6IsL46M/s400/decoy+duck+prototype+development.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Third stage (Day two).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I then start to model the bottom of the dress, onto which the legs will be attached – I might have to fire the legs separately and attach it after the firing. The pouring spouts (for slip casting) will therefore be at the openings, where the two parts will be attached with epoxy. I will therefore be able to glaze the entire product. I also hope to slip cast the decoy ducks and develop appropriate surfaces (under glaze decoration and transfers) to exhibit them as individually crafted pieces. I have ordered some Parian casting slip from Valentines Clay in England for this purpose. I am in the process of enquiring about the costs of digital decal printing of the various peony spray ballpoint pen drawings, to be able to apply them to the fired pieces and exhibit and sell them separately as mentioned above. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClZdDs2OFfbXIF0NOQZ36AqlQ3fJ9NmZ1sLuKh5hQm36P38Z_j2ZkqraCjAds_cSSHRHR0smlKBeasQXUJBdyIm69-ZRrr7Lx1aqVdLFvHP9x2MYEIBS6tadYgC6p6LWVBWgrKqHa_GA/s1600/Side+view+of+decoy+duck+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClZdDs2OFfbXIF0NOQZ36AqlQ3fJ9NmZ1sLuKh5hQm36P38Z_j2ZkqraCjAds_cSSHRHR0smlKBeasQXUJBdyIm69-ZRrr7Lx1aqVdLFvHP9x2MYEIBS6tadYgC6p6LWVBWgrKqHa_GA/s400/Side+view+of+decoy+duck+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ensuring the main form and shape is symmetrical and perfect.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7kgoHp-fcOn_Zp82ciJfKRajnwO9MJtduMJm2FiBcN1aH_joIIUCh27TVF9Go_4Z2nm4O1M8OfUAY2f8grZNm9ii3EbDcTxzLqarRzMVMq2CEWKIBLGx_OOd8AyVo_5e19hyphenhyphenGlBvd3s/s1600/drawing+and+decoy+duck+torso+and+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7kgoHp-fcOn_Zp82ciJfKRajnwO9MJtduMJm2FiBcN1aH_joIIUCh27TVF9Go_4Z2nm4O1M8OfUAY2f8grZNm9ii3EbDcTxzLqarRzMVMq2CEWKIBLGx_OOd8AyVo_5e19hyphenhyphenGlBvd3s/s200/drawing+and+decoy+duck+torso+and+head.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I took a long time to refine the form (image above), reminiscent of a bomb, which I will explain at a later stage. It has to be perfectly symmetrical at this stage, once you start to add the head of the decoy duck and neck etc., it becomes impossible to adjust the central form and shape, especially if it is symmetrical. It therefore has to be perfect at each stage of the modeling phase and or the different stages. As the defining components and elements are added to the main form, the more difficult it becomes to alter and refine the symmetrical form and shape. Any imperfection will have to be ignored and accommodated – it is just not possible to correct your mistakes at this late stage. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA-9clXS4jANlgY0dlauwZU_r_73-sX3KdJ9r9F_Ob9Wuhro5VBoveYPdJWBNnV0b6PZKXvXtcv2GRBJdyOXPUw25zKT0Pauy3OX9lg7kJ4jYWp8JKTEpavg7vd0x2HsgwM74wcC2s90/s1600/modelling+one+half+of+the+head..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA-9clXS4jANlgY0dlauwZU_r_73-sX3KdJ9r9F_Ob9Wuhro5VBoveYPdJWBNnV0b6PZKXvXtcv2GRBJdyOXPUw25zKT0Pauy3OX9lg7kJ4jYWp8JKTEpavg7vd0x2HsgwM74wcC2s90/s400/modelling+one+half+of+the+head..jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modelling the decoy duck head.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKETf2xZ8WY6ulNIdQx4qjC59bDG3r9FevX0LUUDcquL7GWaqyK5q1QeFBrDeYDi9NPX2I8khA3jK7UIRzKm_uP2JBhEm5CRN2b8Hydo3FOOerwcJCp6HW5RrV4_hbG0TBjICScJbNKzQ/s1600/drawing+and+one+half+of+the+head..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKETf2xZ8WY6ulNIdQx4qjC59bDG3r9FevX0LUUDcquL7GWaqyK5q1QeFBrDeYDi9NPX2I8khA3jK7UIRzKm_uP2JBhEm5CRN2b8Hydo3FOOerwcJCp6HW5RrV4_hbG0TBjICScJbNKzQ/s200/drawing+and+one+half+of+the+head..jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Fourth stage and or phase - Day two afternoon).</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Once the main body of the symmetrical form and shape has been achieved, tried and tested, using templates (scaled up photostats of my ballpoint pen drawings- cut up into the various elements), I can start to add the defining components such as the head etc. I start the process in the same way every time – modeling the two halves of the duck’s head using the reverse Photostat process to achieve exact copies of the two dimensional drawings. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGzSfAfr6u0_lZCS1vswPrK2u24yGZ8zWHFQqIVC7z-n8RgCjK6PLwxIla_lXxXkIOFgzDZ3oGFGiJZBs2DPf-cNUUueErzyZofC0oDctMAVTHdjH3j5sOdei7uQ-5ip95Lz6vIfBwK4/s1600/another+view+of+head+on+the+torso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGzSfAfr6u0_lZCS1vswPrK2u24yGZ8zWHFQqIVC7z-n8RgCjK6PLwxIla_lXxXkIOFgzDZ3oGFGiJZBs2DPf-cNUUueErzyZofC0oDctMAVTHdjH3j5sOdei7uQ-5ip95Lz6vIfBwK4/s400/another+view+of+head+on+the+torso.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ensuring the head is the right form and shape</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br /><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-XuQSul7FJHV48QQ1BQe4E7qkfs9LoFkhBpuhHUaEJnWrVilsrXf01x_jsh4xIudgniPVhi2Stiw8zxreMiYx2AnK8ifVVGkgKIS_c9EjKe5ZU-u_iemzPqex90rhvkty-jrYzs-_4k/s1600/decoy+duck+torso+upright+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-XuQSul7FJHV48QQ1BQe4E7qkfs9LoFkhBpuhHUaEJnWrVilsrXf01x_jsh4xIudgniPVhi2Stiw8zxreMiYx2AnK8ifVVGkgKIS_c9EjKe5ZU-u_iemzPqex90rhvkty-jrYzs-_4k/s200/decoy+duck+torso+upright+.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">These templates have been placed in position to ensure the three-dimensional modeled head of the decoy duck will be the exact size required and enhance the symmetrical aspect of the ceramic piece as demonstrated in the sequential images above and below. I model the head and other attachments roughly and place them in position to ensure the scale is correct, before I embark on refining the forms, adding the detail and texture.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2Vsfg2gi2Azj8zDFGg_Rj-hNXS7PHX-oKPZcDn-fMqV7v1D8AxC1eoaDkKwgxVqs7LgiiUiYCg75BeNoaVCOPIKEulfWx6XR3qTwMExvx-lKTUXaBfsyVbxRz5KqqJvqxHzx7_bGW5E/s1600/studio+shot+with+modeling+of+decoy+duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2Vsfg2gi2Azj8zDFGg_Rj-hNXS7PHX-oKPZcDn-fMqV7v1D8AxC1eoaDkKwgxVqs7LgiiUiYCg75BeNoaVCOPIKEulfWx6XR3qTwMExvx-lKTUXaBfsyVbxRz5KqqJvqxHzx7_bGW5E/s400/studio+shot+with+modeling+of+decoy+duck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final phase - modelling the legs and shoes and refining the forms</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Step by step modelling of my prototypes (Y2 Clay) Part One; the Decoy-duck

prototype at the end of day two - unrefined, form and shape resolved. Step by step modelling of my prototypes; the Decoy-duck (Day one and t...

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