Plaster Master Class - Sunday 17th September 2023

With Plaster Master Helen Johannessen

One day multi piece mould making workshop in Helen’s Studio W8, Cockpit Bloomsbury, WC1 London - this day will develop your skills in a small, intimate group environment - meaning tailored learning opportunities. Understand how to prepare model/object surfaces and the differences in material properties when making a plaster mould, learn about undercuts and how to find seam lines for multi-piece mould making. You will learn how to set up models in clay using professional tools and techniques. Make a mulit-piece mould to take away and start casting in clay as well have gained enough skills to work independently on your next project. You will get the chance to mould something of your choice if appropriate for the day/timings, I am happy to receive information prior to the session. It will be recommended to bring a number of ideas to choose from, size restriction applies.

I am a professional model and mould maker with over 25 years experience with 200+ clients in my model and mould making portfolio. I have taught for 20 years in further and higher education.

date: Sunday 17th September 2023

time: 10.00-4.00pm (with a break for lunch)

cost: £175 per person, all materials included

location: Holborn - easily accessible by bus or tube

Mould Making Class Information:

Mould making is a very important process usually employed in the ceramic industry for repeating small batch or mass production shapes in clay. Getting to grips with the technicalities are best shown and practised since many forms will differ in problem solving and approach to thinking. In this class you should get to observe other makers making different moulds for casting or press moulding so learning will be intensive and set you up to work independently.

Helen will show you how to make original and one off works from this process and encourage participants to start thinking of the mould as another amazing tool for your practice. You will be able to produce your own multi-piece mould in the workshop to take away and start making ceramics in your studio.

What you will learn-

1. How to find and mark seam lines on objects/forms.

2. Understand how to treat model surfaces to release from plaster moulds.

3. How to set up and make many sides to a plaster mould for casting clay.

4. Complete a multi-piece mould – understanding the properties of plaster, undercuts and navigate plaster as a mould making material.

What you will do-

1. Prepare and understand your model surface, seam lines and navigate undercuts

2. Use professional mould making tools with clay to set up clean seam lines for accurate work.

3. Learn how to set up appropriate and supportive walls for pouring plaster to make each part of your mould.

4. Use location marks and/or natches for joining and locating parts of your mould together.

Suitable for intermediate makers (those who have mixed plaster and made moulds before) or for those who have attended my Introduction Plaster Masterclass Workshop

Please bring a notebook, apron and lunch

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, many local eateries and shops close by