FIN 131 Unit 1 – Dale Graham

Exercise 1: Objects as Storytellers

early brainstorming; objects, tableau, sketches

… so far I like the tension of the leaning figures — plus or minus hat. Early thoughts: 1) cast to include partial length of the hammer handle, and vary how I treat that handle on each multiple. 2) set them up in pairs, could they vary their relationship from “tug-of-war” to cooperation? What object are they tug-of-warring over? 3) give the figure a big fat nail in place of the hammer handle, and have each casting lean further forward as if the nail is disappearing into the body (is it seppuku? is that just too weird?)

A FEW DAYS LATER… sketching out possible “situations” for pairs of hammerhead people, see below, along with photos of other “objects” that could be cast for them to act on… The sketches convey the main idea, the photos try out possible reimagined objects.

I am imagining making 3 to 5 pairs of hammerheads, picking best scenarios. I am imagining casting the entire metal part plus a portion of the wooden handle, with the “open” end of the cast being partway down the wooden handle. Then I treat the “meeting point” of the two hammerhead creatures differently in each case — either by carving out the plaster to the shape of the thing that is between them, or by inserting another cast thing (sawblade, spoon or fork, ladle) into that space. No idea if any of this is practically achievable. Have missed first two classes (one for medical reasons, one for snow) so have arranged to meet Angela in virtual meet-up before the next class, see if I need to swerve…

SWERVING… Yes it is time to swerve… The hammerhead wasn’t practical for the rubber mold as there would be no way to un-mold without cutting the rubber casing, which then requires a mother mold to prevent those cut edges from leaking plaster… too complex for the time available in this class… Therefore — see below my hybrid object, ready for four coats of paint-on rubber material next week in class:

January 31: Rubber mold day We first sprayed on mold release (non-toxic but filled the room like hairspray!) with generous first layer, worked into all nooks and crannies, then light second coat, let dry for 30 mins. Went on to apply 3 layers of Brush-On 40 rubber. For each layer mixed equal amounts Parts A and B for 2 minutes continuously, then had about 6 minutes working time to apply to object. The first layer used brush to get fully into every crevice. Next 2 layers used popsicle stick trowel. Let dry 20 to 30 mins between layers, until still tacky but no rubber comes off when lightly touched with finger. Needs to set up for minimum 16 hours before unmolding – I returned 2 days later. When I unmolded the metal cap stayed inside the figure (crisis!) but was able to gently squeeze it out with no damage to the mold.

Feb 7 class — first trials to pour hydrocal in silicone mold.

Feb 7/8: cast 5 more for a total of 6 items – see below. Every tip has broken off — not possible to be gentle enough while removing the very snug-fitting rubber mold. Incorporated various items, most of them with a metallic vibe — pieces of metal stripping, screws, steel wool, a small stainless-steel funnel, aluminum foil. But also included flagging tape that streams out the bottom of the object. I seem to be heading towards a rocket / missile vibe, while also pondering the phallic / dildo-like shapes. Perhaps finish them with a polished grey quality (graphite, charcoal, wax) with greater and lesser degrees of broken-ness, wear. A bit of a parody of Russian (or North Korean) missile parades, with a nod to the macho posturing involved? Some photos…

Initial experiments with surface treatment: see below. Ideas and Questions for class Wed Feb 14: vary mixtures of wax and/or oil with powdered graphite / charcoal. Is it okay to use coconut oil (too organic? will it mold?). Can I use dilute ink or too wet? How incorporate red streamers / foil / steel wool accents? Keep all rough edges?