Intro to Mold-Making and Slipcasting with Robert Chamberlin
- Description
- Location
- Class Outline:
- About the Artist
- Policies
- Liability & Safety
In this hands-on, 4-day workshop spread across two weekends, you'll dive deep into the fundamentals of slip casting and mold making. Whether you're drawn to the precision of the industrial process, or looking to make exact reproductions and multiples, slipcasting opens up new possibilities. You'll learn about casting slips, pour and demold finished pieces, and design and execute both 1 and 2-part molds. Participants are welcome to bring a few small objects (no larger than 5" in any direction) to use as mold originals – think simple shapes and no undercuts. Not sure what to bring? We will also have sample objects on hand that are well-suited for one and two-part molds.
No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
July 11-12 and July 18-19 | 10:00am - 3:00pm
1600 Altamont Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
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Day 1: Saturday, July 11 We kick things off with introductions and a slide presentation covering the fundamentals of mold making, including a look at how slip casting has shaped Robert's own art practice. From there, we roll up our sleeves and get into plaster: how to measure, mix, and pour it properly. Robert will walk you through a full live demonstration of a 1-part mold from start to finish, including pulling your first cast. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp of the entire 1-part mold process.
Day 2: Sunday, July 12 Building on yesterday's plaster foundation, we move into 2-part mold making. Robert will guide you through the process step by step while you work on blocking and preparing your own piece. With the plaster fundamentals fresh in your hands, you'll pour your first 2-part mold by end of day.
Day 3: Saturday, July 18 Today's focus is slip. We'll cover how to work with commercially available casting slip as well as how to convert your preferred clay body into casting slip. With your slip ready to go, you'll pull casts from both your 1-part and 2-part molds and learn how to clean up seam lines, make repairs, and add attachments to your pieces.
Day 4: Sunday, July 19 The final day is dedicated to you and your work. Robert will be hands-on throughout as everyone works to complete their molds, with plenty of time for troubleshooting and one-on-one guidance. We'll also explore creative ways to push your molds further – alternative uses, unconventional approaches, and ideas to carry into your own practice beyond the workshop.
Robert Chamberlin is an artist who has been engaging with ceramics since elementary school. At the end of his undergraduate studies focused on Photography, while in a directed study in ceramics class he learned how to make molds and it changed everything. Using his photobackground and the idea of a negative to produce prints or in this case a mold to create multiples, slip casting and mold making were in just a few years time a key element to his art practice. Producing his graduate thesis from SMFA; Tufts University with 5 molds creating 106 unique vessels shown in Fill Me Up cemented moldmaking and ceramics as his main way to create ceramic forms. Chamberlin has continued to utilize slip casting and mold making in his studio practice to this day. WHile Chamberlin doesn’t always adhere to the rules but rather finds ways to break the rules of slip casting to his own end. Chamberlin’s work often includes themes of collapse, failure, queerness and desire.
Robert Chamberlin is an artist who has been engaging with ceramics since elementary school. At the end of his undergraduate studies focused on Photography, while in a directed study in ceramics class he learned how to make molds and it changed everything. Using his photo background and the idea of a negative to produce prints or in this case a mold to create multiples, slip casting and mold making were in just a few years time a key element to his art practice. Producing his graduate thesis from SMFA; Tufts University with 5 molds creating 106 unique vessels shown in Fill Me Up cemented moldmaking and ceramics as his main way to create ceramic forms. Chamberlin has continued to utilize slip casting and mold making in his studio practice to this day. WHile Chamberlin doesn’t always adhere to the rules but rather finds ways to break the rules of slip casting to his own end. Chamberlin’s work often includes themes of collapse, failure, queerness and desire.
Our classes are for adults. If you have a child under 18 interested in taking a class, please contact us before enrolling.
Liability & Safety
All students must agree to the following upon registering for a class or workshop at Still Life Studio:
Waivers and Safety for Ceramic Classes and Studio Use
- Students will follow all instructions by teacher.
- Students will not load, unload or operate the kilns.
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Do not wear articles of clothing or jewelry that hang off the body.
- Closed footwear is required.
- Do not use any equipment without a staff member present.
- SLS will provide safety glasses or gloves upon request.
- All completed work must be picked up from Still Life Studio no later than 4 weeks after the student’s final class. Still Life Studio is not responsible for any work left longer than 4 weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up their work.
I hereby release and agree to hold Still Life Studio harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of the studio, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from Still Life Studio. I understand that this release discharges Still Life Studio from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the studio with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from Still Life Studio. This liability waiver and release extends to the studio together with all owners, partners, and employees.
Liability Waiver
In connection with my involvement in ceramic classes at Still Life Studio, I hereby release Still Life Studio, its agents, representatives, successors, or assignees, Still Life Studio management and employees, from all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, demands, costs, and expenses which I am now or in the future have against them, arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in art classes, including enroute to or from the program or its related events. I understand that the waiver includes, but is not limited to, all injuries to me and or loss of injuries to any personal property. I also understand that this waiver includes, but is not limited to, any claims that are based on my alleged negligence or any other action or inaction of any of the above parties.
I also give Still Life Studio permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of myself and/or my work for the general promotion of Still Life Studio and its programs.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand the safety instructions and the liability waiver that have been outlined.