Demonstration in Clay Modeling

Date of Event: 17th Feb, 2017
Venue:  Sculpture Studio, Visual Arts Department
Time:  Morning–9:40 am.

Dr. Giriraj Sharma,Sr. Asstt. Professor ,Visual Arts, Department of Visual Arts gave a demonstration on preparing clay and then to prepare an armature to sculpt an object. This sculpting demo on modeling water-based clay follows the quick and simple techniques demonstrated. He guided students the five useful tips to help and begin working with water-based clay:
•    Firstly, before you start your work, A drawing is a good thing to do before starting modeling clay. As you can see, you can definite proportions of your sculpture and thinking about what you want to do. You don't have to try to make a finish drawing but sketches are a good way to start!
•     Then plan the dimensions of the main shapes and the ratios between lengths.
•    Take a small piece of the clay you intend to use and roll it in your hand. If it bends smoothly, it should be useable otherwise it is hard then, adds more water to it.
•    According to your need, you can use armature which is the backbone of the sculpture use for "support structure". Think of your armature as your sculpture's structure. The armature is important, as it will keep the piece from becoming too delicate and easily broken. Usually the armature is made from wire, the gauge of which will depend on the size of your sculpture. You can use other materials though, if your sculpture is small or wire is unavailable. Brass rods, aluminum wire and other stronger materials can be used, but it is often easier to practice with more contained shapes.
•    Once your armature is made, you can start putting clay on it and give which you want to be by using help of sculpture tools. Tools can be improvised from: balls of tin foil, black peppercorn, toothpicks, a toothbrush, a steel ball chain necklace, a comb, knitting needles, crochet hooks, large and small sewing needles, cookie cutters, melon, etc.
Dr.Giriraj Sharma told that the above whole process explains how to use clay to build a simplified but solid structure following human anatomy through his demonstration. The primary goal of this exercise is to encourage the student to learn and understand the use of planes in the construction of compound forms. It includes the explanation of simple armatures and how to use specific tools at each step during the modeling process.
Coordinator

Mr. Asok Biswas, Assistant Professor,
Journalism & Mass Communication and Multimedia Department.

Report prepared by,
Dr.Nirupama Singh (Member)
Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Arts .