The Week at SSW

 A whole 5 days of learning mould making!

First of all, it was to make sure a silicone release agent was applied liberally to the sculptures - I really wanted the sculptures to come out from the silcone after it had set.

Next, lay on top of cling film to protect the plaster from the clay, and build up around the piece about halfway, following any lines (so that the mould lines when cast show as little as possible)

a clay wall is added and then the silicone poured in.

I'm glad I had 3 pieces as I could practice and repeat the process 3 times to learn it more thoroughly.

Large Beech Leaf

Silicone Poured

Tomorrow!!!

Exciting times -  I'm off to the Scottish Sculpture Workshop tomorrow for a week residential. 

Many thanks again to the award from VACMA throught Aberdeen City council.

These are the beech leaves I'm using to make molds.

                                                        Beech - Faidhbhile (Scottish Gaelic)

old & new plaster leaves

I decided to carve another leaf, this time larger. I thought it may be too big but on my usual walk up the road from the house I realised that the leaves on the copper beech hedge were the same size. And then of course it occurred to me that the smaller leaf fitted beautifully in my hand but I have fairly small hands so a leaf to fit a larger hand was necessary.

I have been researching a little and found some interesting information about the beech leaf. Now how much of the mythology is true I don't know but I like the ideas.

"Slivers of beech wood and leaves were once carried as talismans to bring good luck and increase creative energy." (www.thebeechtreeinkirriemuir)

Also no harm was said to befall a lost traveller who sought shelter under the branches of a beech.

SSW update

 Lots of back and fro with emails and the upheaval at Scottish Sculpture Workshop with their capital development changes, but finally....

I am booked in for a week's residential to learn mould making for casting. Really excited!!!!

Thanks to my VACMA award this is now happening.

New Gallery

Two members of the flock are now for sale at Larks Gallery  in Ballater! 

The owner is a very lovely lady called Pip and I'm so pleased that my work is getting out into the world.

'Poised'

  

'White Bird'

Of course I forgot to take the wee 'care of your sculpture' zine so they are being posted tomorrow.

We had an excellent walk too.

Larks Gallery, Ballater

News today is that I was approached by the owner of Larks Gallery, Ballater to show some of my pieces in her gallery.

Things are looking up.

Of course I checked out the website and she has some very beautiful artworks there so going to take the two latest pieces up on Sunday. Even get a day out.

More news and images to follow.

Scottish Sculpture Workshop visit

 On the 3rd April I submitted Open Access dates for SSW as the 4th was their next time for looking at availability. I also emailed Eden the technician there and arranged a visit to ask for their advice on my next steps/time frame for mould making/if project feasible.

...Today was the visit day.

I was nervous as I always am meeting new people and new places. Luckily it was under an hour drive so easy to get to.

I pulled in beside the foundry and then Eden and Michael came out to say hi. I found it fascinating, lots of interesting and odd pieces of metal hanging around and made into useful objects. Just my type of place. Great reuse.

Discussion was positive, I showed the pieces I wanted to make moulds from and cast, and they both agreed it could be done in that time with me doing some work at home too.

This is the Beech leaf.                

 

 I had ideas for another of my plaster pieces, the Oakleaf column and the verdict was that would be fine too. 

 

Progress! The idea of casting these pieces is now beginning to feel attainable. Thank you VACMA and Aberdeen City Council for believing in me.

A Halt in Proceedings

 On the 11th March I found out that I'd been granted a VACMA award from Aberdeen City Council. At the time I was halfway through having covid - not the best of times - and this put a halt on all proceedings. 

I was really excited but had no energy. I couldn't do much of anything really which was very frustrating. 

Today we felt ok enough to begin re-roofing the wee shed I use for sculpture. Old roof off and the wood - well, it wasn't even wood - was bowed and had been leaking for ages as well as the shed slowly listing to the right.

New thicker ply (recycled from an event) went up and and a new centre beam, then I lost my energy and had to have a rest. My partner carried on and put the underfelt on it.

That is where I am now. A new roof on the shed, strengthened to prevent the listing and all tidied, am so pleased. It gives me a sense of joy just to open the door. Now just to get more energy after this illness and I'll get on with the sculptures I want to make.