Time to get casting!

With only two weeks to go before degree show and all of my work back from being laser cut and powder coated, it was time to step back into the workshops and finalise casting luxury metal florals in concrete bases (a process I have been thoroughly developing over the last couple of months).

As a maker, expanding my knowledge of materials and their properties is fundamental to every project. Whilst working with new materials is initially challenging, it fundamentally offers a wealth of new knowledge and rewarding outcomes.

Since initially exploring the concept of casting metal florals in concrete bases, I became surprised by how fragile concrete can be! After much experimentation and trial and error of different recipes, I finally cracked it. Combining both plaster and concrete, allowing for a more sturdy base whilst maintaining the look and feel of concrete.

Many of my outcomes feature multiples of processes and this concept was no exception. Hours of mould making, developing and testing laser cutting files, working with external companies to laser cut and powder coat the metal florals and finally setting them in cast floral bases. This new material exploration has seen me work in different departments and areas within our university, such as the ceramics department and plaster room which I previously was unfamiliar with. This has been fundamental in allowing me access to technical advice and specialist materials and equipment to assist in the creation of my outcomes.

With the degree show nearing, and all of my components at the ready, it was a productive day casting a variety of my metal florals.