Improvements

From visiting UCA Farnham I was able to test a ceramics workshop. Using a square of terracotta and sharp utensils I manipulated the clay into creating a one natural inspired final square and one reflecting geometric shapes. 

To decorate the square I used coloured slip which let me introduce a variety of colours.

Making of the prototype

Below are the processes taken in order to create the table prototype.

Using the square storage box I vacuum formed the shape to create the mould base.

The thick plaster mixture was then poured into the mould and left to harden.

When complete the cast was removed by pealing off the tape to then widen the shape.

Using the band saw measuring the size accuratly, I cut the plywood pieces to size and shape.

The legs were then assembled by using a wood glue as this was only a prototype. In reality I would use a dowel joint and it hidden and secure.

Finally the moulds were placed on top of the table acting as the surface for a coffee table. As you can see I have made 2 which vary in height and have different surfaces, I felt the wax casting process created a really nice finish and would work well against the ply.

Natural mineral inspiration

 A Vacuum formed version of the plaster casts from the glass jars were created and filled with hot blue wax which varied in shades.

Some of the wax mixtures were combined with segments of tine foil and placed inside before cooling.

 Other mixtures were combined with organic vegetable pieces from the cabbage. This colour combination worked perfectly.

 After cooling the wax cast was removed, the semi-translucent material really allowed us to be able to see the metal inside. This started to resemble natural minerals such as Galena, nickel in meteorites and ??????????

The final outcomes vary in shape and size as each mould was different likewise the way the wax moves around does differ. It is interesting to see how the shapes can be played with, such as stacking them and revealing the different colours or laying them upside down to see there inside fillers. It is also appealing to see the different textures and layers which are visible. 

Concave and convex

Using natural fruits and vegetables I created casts and moulds which were imprints of their detail and shape. 

Cabbage

Pineapple

Glass jar

Bubble wrap

 The cabbage was placed into bowl and plaster mixture was poured around the outside, this then hardened and left a bowl with the detail on show as well as some of the cabbage left inside the plaster.

 The plaster was layered onto a leaf and then left to harden leaving this leaf replica with all the fine detail on show.

 This maquette was made from layering latex onto a leaf and then heating it to dry. This was then peeled off.

 The pineapple top was placed into a bucket upside with plaster mixture poured inside.

 The mixture hardened and the pineapple body was cut off. The maquette was then removed from tht bucket.

Using a saw and wetting the plaster I sliced the maquette in half to reveal the inside.

 Two glass jars were filled with the mixture, once hardened they had to be smashed to remove the plaster.

 This revealed two very smooth and soft pieces which showed any grooves and detail.

Bubble wrap was placed onto a flat surface and a square boarder was made from plasticine. The mixture was then poured ontop. 

The outcomes were very realistic in the prints, the detail was clear and looked very appealing.