LESSONLESSON 44 Plaster Carving

Alan Houser was the great-nephew of WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Geronimo, the renowned Apache chief. Al- You will carve a plaster sculpture in the ways mindful of his heritage, Houser created round by selecting and using a variety of beautiful images using Native American sub- appropriate art materials and tools in tradi- jects. One of these appears in Figure 12–13. tional and experimental ways. You will in- Notice that the artist uses a variety of tex- terpret a subject when producing your tures. These give the sculpture both realistic sculpture. For example, your sculpture can and abstract qualities. The weight and pos- be of a person or an animal. It must be carved ture of the figure make it lifelike. The rough on all sides. Plan how your positive form will textural surface of the body’s form adds an affect the negative space. Add texture and abstract quality. Notice how your eye is detail using a variety of tools. Give your work drawn to the face. Houser used both smooth unity through the repetition of shapes, forms, texture and a contrast in values to emphasize and/or textures. this area.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED ● Sketchbook, pencil, eraser ● Images of people and animals ● Modeling plaster, vermiculite ● Plastic bowl or bucket, cold water, mixing stick ● Polystyrene or paper cup or container ● Assorted carving tools such as plastic knives, spoons, paper clips, nails, files ● Spray bottle with water, sandpaper

WHAT YOU WILL DO 1. Begin by deciding whether you will make a sculpture of a person or an animal. Next, collect images of your subject. Make several sketches of what your sculpture will look like from the front, each side, and the back. Plan for repetition of form, shape, and/or texture to create unity. Choose your best set of sketches and set them aside. 2. Pour three parts cold water into a plastic container. Mix in three parts modeling Figure 12–13 Houser was known as a sculptor, a plaster and 1 part vermiculite. Stir the painter, and a teacher. He used his childhood memories to mixture with a stick until it is smooth. convey images of Native American people. When the mixture thickens slightly, pour it Allan Houser. White River Woman. 1985. Italian gray marble. 1 carefully into your polystyrene container. 57.2 35.6 40.6 cm (22 ⁄2 14 16). The Genesee County Museum, Rochester, New York. (See Technique Tip in Handbook page 287.)

224 Chapter 12 Sculpture 3. After a few minutes you will notice that the mixture is beginning to dry and set. Evaluating Your Work When the plaster is set, carefully tear the polystyrene container from your mold. ● Describe What subject did you interpret 4. Transfer your design onto all four sides when producing your sculpture? What of your plaster mold. Using the knife or tools did you experiment with to add spoon, begin scraping away the negative texture and detail? areas surrounding your positive form. ● Analyze How did you use the repetition Your subject will slowly emerge from the of shapes, form, or texture to create unity? form as you carve. Use nails or a paper- ● Interpret Give your sculpture a title. clip to carve out small areas. Experiment Write a story and use your sculpture as with different tools to add texture and the main character. Look closely at your details. Turn your sculpture as you carve sculpture’s expressive quality to help you to complete all sides. Periodically spray a describe its character in your story. light mist of water on your sculpture. ● Judge Were you successful in creating a This will keep it moist, make it easier to plaster carving? work, and control the dust. When you finish carving, let your sculpture dry completely. Lightly sand the areas you want smooth to give your sculpture a finished look. 5. Display your carving and compare it with those of your classmates.

SAFETY TIP

If you have breathing problems, tell your teacher. Dry dust from plaster and clay can be harmful. Use a dust mask if necessary.

Figure 12–14 Student work. A plaster carving.

STUDIO OPTION Visual Art Journal Make several sketches of a monument or Analyze Figure 12Ð13 to deter- building in your community. Choose your best mine cultural contexts. For example, sketch and study it carefully. Using the same what clues does the sculpture give steps in this studio lesson, sculpt a model of this about Native American culture? structure in traditional ways. For example, use Write down your thoughts in your carving tools to add a variety of textures and de- journal. tails. Title your sculpted structure and place it on display.

Lesson 4 Plaster Carving 225