![Access Art Bird [logo]](/images/bird.gif)
How to... Use Modroc Modroc (or mod roc) is another name for plaster impregnated bandage, and it can be used to make sculpture by even very young children (who love the messiness!) or by older children/adults who enjoy its versatility. In summary, modroc starts off dry, you then dip it in water and then model with it. It then sets hard, hence "mod" (mud) - "roc" (rock). Modroc is used over an armature, which can be made in a number of ways depending upon age, ability or purpose. This How to... module assumes you have your armature and you are ready to use modroc. - What can you make with modroc? What can you make with modroc? Modroc is extremely versatile and can be used for making all kinds of modelling or construction based sculpture. It can be used alone, or with other materials, such as withies (bendy willow sticks) Children will enjoy the Making Mini-me workshop. Modroc is available in good art shops, school supplies and also via the internet. Ebay makes a good starting point. Like most things, the more you buy the cheaper it is per unit, so it can be quite expensive if you buy a small amount through a small art shop. As modroc keeps relatively well if it is kept in a dry place it might be worth buying larger quantities. You can buy modroc in large sheets which you then cut to size - ideal for larger projects or big classes. You can also buy modroc on smaller rolls or in smaller packs which are individually wrapped in plastic to keep them fresh - buy your modroc like this if you want to buy in bulk to keep costs down, but know you will only be using small amounts at any one time. Setting up your space and other equipment Modroc is quite messy, though the mess can easily be contained with a bit of forethought. 1. Cover the table (or floor if you are working on a larger project) with plastic or newspaper. If you are working with children we have found working on tables cuts down on much of the mess (less feet to talk the mess around the room!). 4. Have a towel ready for your messy hands! 1. Have your armature ready; then dip a piece of the modroc into clean water. Let it soak for a moment, then lift it out and drape or mould it over your armature. 2. Most important!: Once the wet modroc is on your armature, you really need to use your fingers/hands to mould the modroc - this helps the plaster mould together and makes your sculpture stronger. 3. Keep dipping and moulding, building up your sculpture. Small sculptures will need only one or two layers, larger sculptures might need more layers. 4. Most Important!: Make sure your water is always clean (see Top tips below) before you dip your modroc. 5. You can also use small pieces of modroc to add detail to your sculpture, really modeling the materials between your fingers (i.e. pinching it to create a nose). 6. When you are happy with your sculpture, leave it to dry. You can always add more layers later if you need to (on top of the dry modroc). The modroc will take between one and four days to dry out, depending on room temperature The modroc will be dry when the surface no longer feels damp and instead feels slightly more "powdery" or "chalky". Modroc can be painted with any water-based paint (powder, gouache, acrylic, watercolour), or even oil based paints (but make sure the modroc is COMPLETELY dry). For a more durable paint finish you can also mix PVA glue with the paint, or use the PVS as a varnish. You can also use the PVA as a glue to stick coverings on the modroc (fabric, scraps etc). If you need to build on top of your modroc with more modroc, make sure you soak your sculpture in a bucket of water before you add more modroc - the modroc will key better to a slightly damp surface. The modroc has undergone an exothermic chemical reaction when you initially soaked the plaster bandage, so soaking dry modroc in water will not of course turn the modroc back to a modeling material. Always ensure the water you use to dip your modroc into is clean - when the water looks very cloudy pour it into a bucket and gets some fresh water. Dipping plaster bandage into cloudy water will impair its ability to set. NEVER pour the modroc water down a sink which has NOT been fitted with a plaster trap. The particles of plaster will block the sink. You can make a home made plaster trap, or more simply just have a couple of buckets ready to pour the cloudy water into. Once the plaster has settled you can safely and carefully pour the water down an external drain, and scoop the plaster debris in to a bin. Some people suggest mixing a small quantity of PVA into the water to strengthen the modroc when it dries. Control the dust from the modroc - especially at the cutting stage. Use it in a well ventilated room and follow the health and safety tips below. Dust: Use in a well ventilated area. If you are using a lot of materials which create dust consider fitting a simple extractor fan - we use a Vortice extractor. You might also want children or adults to wear a simple mask to cut down on inhaled dust. Larger masks are cumbersome and usually end up not being worn - small masks can help cut down on inhaled dust and are less obtrusive to wear - and therefore more likely to get worn. Skin irritation: With excessive use or sensitive skin modroc can cause skin irritation. If this is a problem take precautions - use a barrier such as vaseline prior to use, or wear think latex gloves (if no allergy to the gloves). Thick gloves make it impossible to use the modroc so are impractical If you are making large sculptures, or a lot of smaller sculptures, it will be cheaper to use scrim and fine casting plaster. We will be producing a "How to..." on this soon. Join AccessArt (free of charge) and we'll let you know when its ready. How to build an armature will be available soon - Join AccessArt (free of charge) and we will let you know when it's ready. Want to be kept up to date with AccessArt's latest releases? Register for the AccessArt Newsletter - free of charge. Tell us what you think and what you'd like to see on AccessArt
|
|
||
|
|||
 |
|||
