Two and Four Legged Creatures
In this session with artist Melissa Pierce Murray , teenagers construct two and four legged creatures using oil based clay over a simple wire armature to make delicate, extended structures.
You can see all the resources by Melissa in this series here: ‘From Bones and Body to Structure and Form’, exploring drawing and sculptural responses to form, forces and anatomy.
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Sharon Gale
January 16, 2018 @ 2:55 pm
This is such a wonderful project and something I would like to try with my students! May I ask where you purchased the oil based clay? Did you mix it yourself and if so, what is the ratio of powdered clay to oil. And what is the best oil to use?
Sharon 🙂
Melissa M
January 16, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
Hello Sharon,
I’m really pleased you found the post inspiring!
I was working in the US and purchased my clay there, but here you can look for an oil-based clay called Chavant (which I’ve used) and another called Clayette (which I haven’t used). The soft clay is probably most appropriate.
Best wishes,
Melissa
Sheila, AccessArt
January 18, 2018 @ 11:03 am
Hi Sharon – and thanks Melissa! I would also suggest that if school budget is a problem – that just plain old plasticine – warmed up – or candle wax kit wax (warmed) – also work well… No problems using school based air dry clay too… All perfect for getting on and learning basic properties and principles of the process. Good luck! (Normal buff clay will just dry out and crack off the armature and has health considerations too when dry.)
Karajana~ar S
March 20, 2018 @ 5:31 pm
Love this site … I use it when wehave children joining us in our very wild outdoor tree retreat…and if it is terrible weather , we sit and make ‘stuff’ from vaguely ‘found’ things….
Love it … So glad I’m able to get inspiration …the amount of joy and stimulation it gives to children is unmeasurable .. it’s so great!
Sheila, AccessArt
March 21, 2018 @ 9:58 am
Thank you Karajana for your lovely feedback!