Concrete Sculpture Experiment 2020

Following my experiment with Raku fired clay figures, I am experimenting with concrete as a more viable and sustainable material to make figures. Concrete does not require the energy required in firing. It is durable and can be placed outside in all weathers – this opens up the potential for new spaces and shapes – working with the landscape rather than an interior space.

  • 1 part cement
  • 1 1/2 parts sand
  • 1/4 cup bentonite clay
  • Water with super-plasticiser
Mix a loose cement and sand
Add water and mix for 2 minutes to a clay consistency
Wire armature
Apply the concrete to the wire in a thin layer
Leave first layer to dry 6 hours
Expeptimaneting with concrete to sculpt figures
First layer of concrete dry and set
Add yarns to the concrete
Wrapped the yarns around the whole figure
Shaping
Leave to set for 24 hours before applying more concrete and fabric
Concrete Figure 45cm tall

References:

Katherine Stanek Sculpture : https://www.katherinestanek.com/home

Katherine Stanek – process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuDgLsnErik

Concrete handbook for artists pdf Andrew Goss https://www.makersgallery.com/concrete/handbookupdate.html

Review

The wire is dynamic and, although it works for this small figure, I would have to create a sturdier, more rigid skeleton for a larger one.

I like the surface texture very much – consider colouring the concrete/ use white cement.