Plaster induction
Today I had my induction in the plaster room, I can now use this space. It was great to be taught how to mix plaster properly, understand the properties of the material and learn through touch rather then measuring.
I can see myself combining plaster and print in the future. I’d like to ink copper plates and print them in plaster to see what results I get.
Above image plaster tile made during induction
Alexia Tala was the first artist I saw combine plaster and printmaking plates, to create installation based art, she used wood cuts and plaster to create ‘First Memory’ 2008.
Above image Alexia Tala (First memory ) from Installations & Experimental printmaking by Alexia Tala
It was only whilst reading about her work I realised it had started as a wood cut. Seeing processes combined like this opens up lots of possibilities to combine plaster and some form of print matrix.
Plaster tiles
Today I wanted to make embossed plaster tile impressions of Margaret St, I started taking clay impressions of areas of the building I struggle with because of my vision and I’ve turned them into plaster tiles.
Above image clay and plaster impressions of buildings
Below image one I dropped
I accidentally dropped a clay impression on the stairs but I’ve decided to mould it anyway because I have accidents all the time and it seems appropriate.
The first two test pieces are to thick, I want future tiles to be finer and I also realised through trial and error that using a flat hard object on top of the clay will help create even pressure and give a more detailed impression when cast.
Working in the plaster room has given me a glimpse of the potential this material has, further reinforcing the need to create three dimensional work.