Writes Raef B. (3rds)
In our Art class, 7RMA, taught by Mr Cataldo, we have been working on a project inspired by Jason deCaires Taylor. He is a British sculptor known for creating sculptures and placing them underwater for years, or even decades. Over time, algae and marine life grow on and inhabit the sculptures.
Completing the project wasn’t easy. It was a multi-step process, involving many different techniques. First, we learnt how to use Photoshop to create a rough layout of our masks. Then we learnt how to use clay by making a crab claw, which we later included in our designs. After that, we began the final mask, using textures and moulds to build our forms. We used slip and scoring to attach different parts, often referring back to our Photoshop designs.
After finishing our clay masks, we had to wait for them to be fired in the kiln. While we were waiting, we worked on drawings of underwater life. Once the masks were fired, we glazed them and added decorative patterns. They were then fired again in the kiln.
From start to finish, the project took several weeks and was very enjoyable. Here are some of the finished results.
