Intermediate-Senior+Division

=**Intermediate-Senior Division Studio Activity **=

Sculpture: Alginate Plaster Casting
This piece was inspired by Rodin's sculptures. Students could be introduced to the works of Rodin and be asked to comment on the feelings and messages the gestures convey. The teacher could use guiding questions and activities to encourage responses like those proposed by Eisner (Clark p. 51), including the experiential and symbolic frames of reference. Because students are intimately connected with the physical experience of using their hands, an experiential frame of reference can be encouraged. Students could physically re-create the gesture or pose as a way of focusing attention on a personal reaction to the image. Students can also discuss the symbolic use of hand gestures in life and art, remaining open to multiple interpretations that may vary by culture.

The studio process involves making a mold using algineate. Algineate is a powder that, when mixed with water, quickly sets to a gel. Once the algineate is mixed and poured into a container, hands are moistened and placed inside the algineate. Setting takes 3 to 5 minutes, after which time the hands are carefully removed from the gel and plaster is poured slowly into the mold. In the classroom, students will work in partners to rehearse and then carry out the molding and pouring, as once the algineate is mixed, they must work quickly and efficiently for best results.

After 24 hours the algineate can be carefully removed. The 'reveal' of the sculpture is quite dramatic! As I carefully peeled a chunk of the gel away, the fingertips, fingernails and high detail were revealed. This will be very exciting for the students! Removing the algineate from all the 'nooks and crannies' took about half an hour with a plastic tool and paintbrush. Students will have to be reminded to remove the gel carefully to avoid breakage. Any mishaps can be repaired with a glue like Loctite which is made for porous materials like plaster.

As a visual arts specialist, I strive to provide the highest quality art experience possible for my current students, and remember that I am also preparing them for a lifetime of safe and creative work as studio artists of the future. In this sculpture, the adult hand is grasped by the child's hand, meant to convey my commitment to gentleness, caring, guidance and strength in service of my students. Because my daughter modeled her hand in mine, this sculpture takes on added personal significance.

Here is a resource page on alginate casting:



Selected expectations (Grade 8):

D1.1 create art works, using a variety of traditional forms and current media technologies, that express feelings, ideas, and issues and that demonstrate an awareness of multiple points of view D1.3 use elements of design in art works to communicate ideas, messages, and understandings for a specific audience and purpose D1.4 use a variety of materials, tools, techniques, and technologies to determine solutions to increasingly complex design challenges D2.1 interpret a variety of art works and identify the feelings, issues, themes, and social concerns that they convey D2.2 analyse ways in which elements and principles of design are used in a variety of art works to communicate a theme or message, and evaluate the effectiveness of their use on the basis of criteria generated by the class D2.4 identify and explain their strengths, their interests, and areas for improvement as creators, interpreters, and viewers of art D3.1 identify and explain some of the ways in which artistic traditions in a variety of times and places have been maintained, adapted, or appropriated

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