DIRECT FIBRE GLASS/POLYESTER RESIN MODELLING AND CASTING AS A TECHNIQUE IN SCULPTURE PRODUCTION

Abstract

As civilisation thrives, the art of Sculpture continues to lend itself to new techniques and latest industrial materials as mediums for production. From the most basic tools such as stones and iron chisels, to pneumatic machines and 3D printing technology. The materials for sculpture making have also pluralized as much as the interpretations of what is and what is not art, has continued to populate the contemporary art discourse. The current study therefore dives into
the experimental approach to materials and their uses, particularly, using an industrially common material, ever since the turn of the 21st century; polyester resin and fibre, to approach sculpture making in an entirely different technique as commonly applied in the field of sculpture. This is done in order to solve the problem of demand on the time required to execute a piece of sculpture. The direct modelling with polyester resin and fibre glass with the aim of achieving a realistic horse sculpture was attempted by the researcher. The results achieved were much more naturalistic then they were realistic. It was however established that the technique is a faster approach to sculpture making than the traditional modelling and casting methods, this is achieved by by-passing the two stages of clay modelling and mould casting. Nevertheless, the technique is most suitable for sculptural projects with less intricate parts an more of plainer surface areas.

Keywords: Casting, Fibre Glass, Modelling, Polyester Resin, Sculpture Production