Lesson video

Hello, my name is Mrs. Tipping, and I'm really looking forward to learning with you today about sculpture and making a mask.

We're going to do lots of thinking, talking, and exploring together in this lesson.

So, shall we get started? Let's go.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to create a mask with modroc using techniques for shaping and sculpting.

Before we start, I would like to introduce you to some keywords.

We'll be using these keywords during the lesson, so it might be a good idea to write these words down.

The keywords we'll be using today are modroc, sculpture, layering, texture.

I'm going to say those again, and I would like you to repeat them after me.

Modroc, sculpture, layering, texture.

Good job.

Now let's think in more detail about what these keywords mean by taking a look at their definitions.

Modroc is a type of plaster bandage used in sculpture.

Sculpture is the art of creating three-dimensional forms by shaping materials such as clay, metal, or plaster.

Layering is the process of building up materials in successive layers to create depth and strength in a sculpture.

And texture is the surface quality or feel of an object, which can be smooth, rough, or bumpy.

Pause the video here to make a note of these keywords, and when you're ready to continue, press play.

These are the learning cycles that we'll be working through together in today's lesson.

We're going to look at an introduction to modroc, and then we're going to explore adding details with modroc.

In the first learning cycle, we're going to introduce you to modroc.

Sculpture refers to the art of creating 3D forms by shaping materials such as clay, metal, or plaster.

The process of sculpting helps artists bring ideas to life in 3D.

Modroc is a type of plaster bandage which can be shaped whilst wet before hardening as it dries.

Working in this way, modroc allows us to create detailed, 3D sculptures.

Masks are sculptures that have been used for thousands of years in different cultures.

From ceremonial masks to theatrical masks, each mask tells a story.

Making a mask can be a creative way to represent an idea, emotion, or character.

Discuss with a partner what kind of mask you want to create.

Will it be dramatic, playful, or maybe something else? Pause the video here to have that discussion with your partner, and press play when you're ready to continue.

What did you think? What kind of mask would you like to create? Well, Laura says, "I want to make an expressive mask that conveys lots of emotion." She's going to try to build up layers to create different textures with the modroc.

Jun, he wants to make a semi-realistic mask that is larger than life and has big features like the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

Let's take a moment to pause and check our understanding.

What is modroc? A type of stone used in archaeology, a type of mask used in some cultures, or a type of plaster bandage used in sculpture? Pause the video here and give yourself a moment to think, and press play when you're ready to continue.

What did you think? If you said it's a type of plaster bandage used in sculpture, you're absolutely right, well done.

Using modroc can get messy, so it's important to wear an apron and gloves and to try and keep your workspace safe and clean.

For this sculpting process, you'll need to prepare modroc strips, scissors, a bowl of water, and a cardboard mask template to apply the strips onto.

So here we've got the cardboard mask, we've got our scissors, we've got the water, we've got the gloves, and then we need to cut those modroc strips.

Now, with the materials ready, you then dip the modroc strips into the bowl of water.

The water will activate the plaster, and it'll allow you to mould it into different shapes.

And then you apply the wet modroc strips to your mask base, smoothing them down as you go.

You then layer the modroc strips on top of each other, overlapping the strips in different directions.

You need to make sure the layers are thin as this will help the mask dry properly and prevent it from cracking.

Using multiple thin layers of modroc will create a stronger mask sculpture than simply using one thick layer.

As you apply each layer, you can start to shape the mask.

Can you see how this artist is layering those modroc strips on this design base here? Now, once you've added enough layers to cover the mask, let it dry.

This can take around 10 to 15 minutes depending on how much water was used.

It's important to wait for the modroc to harden in order to create a strong and stable sculpture.

So, we're about to dip a modroc strip into a bowl of water and see how it reacts.

I want you to pause the video here and have a go at that, and then press play when you're ready to continue.

How did that go? Hopefully you found that the modroc quickly changes from being hard to soft and it can be more easily manipulated once it's wet.

Let's take a moment to pause and check our understanding.

How do you prepare modroc for use in the mask-making process? Is it by heating it? Is it by dipping the strips into water? Or is it by cutting it into small pieces? Pause the video here and have a quick discussion with your partner, and press play when you're ready to continue.

If you said you prepare it by dipping the strips into water, you're absolutely right.

This brings us to our first learning task.

I'd like you to create the basic form of the mask by applying thin layers of modroc to a cardboard mask template.

Focus on building the foundational shape of the mask, and cover any features such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

So pause the video here and give yourself enough time to have a go at creating your mask by applying layers of modroc, and press play when you're ready to continue.

How did that go? Were you able to apply each of those layers to create that thin base? Well, hopefully it looks a bit like the example and you've been able to create your basic form of the mask, applying those thin layers of modroc to your cardboard mask template.

Your mask should be fully covered in thin layers of modroc, covering all of the features of your mask.

Well done for having a go at that learning task, making a basic mask with modroc.

This brings us to the second part of our lesson.

We're going to now add details with modroc.

Modroc allows artists to construct forms through layering, creating 3D forms that are supported by templates and frames.

Many artists use modroc and plaster to create life-size and larger-than-life, figurative sculptures.

These include George Segal, Sophie Ryder, and Anna Gillespie.

Laura says, "I like how modroc is used by some artists to create rough textures filled with emotion and expression!" Jun says, "I'm inspired by the combination of different textures in modroc sculptures.

Sometimes it looks smooth and fluid, and at other times, it looks rough and dynamic." What do you think of modroc? Well, when we're using modroc, we can also create some layering.

Layering is the process of building up materials in successive layers to create depth and strength in a sculpture.

To create a strong mask, it's important to build it up through layers whilst allowing time for it to dry in between.

As layers dry, check to see if there are any areas that need more layering of the modroc strips to reinforce it.

To make your mask more expressive, try sculpting details such as raised eyebrows, cheekbones, or even decorative patterns and textures.

Modroc is really versatile, so feel free to experiment.

Can you see in this mask design how the modroc has been used there on the top of the head, creating that diamond shape, almost.

As well as using your hands, you can also use different tools to create texture on the mask's surface.

Think about how you could add rough, smooth, or bumpy textures to make your mask unique and distinctive.

Let's take a moment to pause and check our understanding.

What is the purpose of layering modroc instead of applying one thick layer? It helps the modroc dry more quickly.

It makes the mask stronger and helps to prevent cracks.

It allows the mask to stay soft.

Pause the video here and give yourself a moment to think, and press play when you're ready to continue.

What did you think? What is the purpose of layering modroc instead of applying one thick layer? If you said it makes the mask stronger and helps to prevent cracks, you're absolutely right.

Layering modroc is essential for building a strong and durable mask.

Remember, sculpting takes time and patience.

Don't worry if it's not perfect on the first try.

Keep experimenting with shapes, textures, and designs until you're happy with your mask.

Here's a closeup of that diamond-shaped design on the top of the head there.

Can you see how there are other strips also coming away, creating texture? They look a bit like high eyebrows.

As the modroc dries, you can smooth out any rough edges with your fingers.

Once it is completely dry, you can also introduce finer details into the surface using carving tools if you want to.

Because modroc dries in around 10 to 15 minutes, you might choose to work on different sections of the mask while another area dries.

Remember to build up several thin layers of modroc to create a strong sculpture rather than simply applying one thick layer.

So maybe if you focus on the top of the head first, or you could do one of the cheeks or maybe down below near the chin.

So think about which area you'd select to do first, and then leave that to dry when you move on to the next section.

Let's take a moment to pause and check our understanding.

Which of the following is a common mistake when working with modroc? Using too many layers.

Applying one thick layer instead of several thin layers.

Waiting too long between layers.

Pause the video here and have a discussion with your partner, and press play when you're ready to continue.

What did you think? What's a common mistake when you work with modroc? Well, it's applying one thick layer instead of several thin layers.

It works much better when you add those thin layers instead.

This brings us to our final learning task.

I'd like you to add details using layering to your mask design with modroc.

First of all, review your mask design.

What types of features did you want to include? Then wait for your first layer of modroc to dry slightly.

It's going to take around 10 minutes.

Then add details through layering.

So you might have some protruding features or textures like eyebrows, patterns, or maybe some decorative elements.

And think about how you can create texture on the surface of the mask.

And remember, have a go at experimenting.

It doesn't need to be perfect the first time.

Just have a go at trying out different features before you decide finally.

So pause the video here.

Give yourself enough time to add those layers using the modroc, and remember to keep them thin.

And press play when you're ready to continue.

How did that go? Were you able to add details using that layering to your mask design? Well, you might have ended up with a mask that maybe looks a bit like this.

You've been able to add those details through layering to make that mask sculpture.

Maybe you've got protruding features.

Maybe you've got textures like eyebrows, patterns, or decorative elements.

Hopefully you've thought about how you could create texture on the surface of the mask, and maybe you used different tools to create that texture on the surface.

Maybe waited for that modroc to dry before using carving tools to create that texture.

So well done for having a go at adding those details with the layering to your mask sculpture, and well done for having a go at that learning task.

Before we finish this lesson, let's summarise what we've learned about mask construction using modroc.

Modroc can be used to create 3D shapes, forms, masks, and sculptures.

It can be used in different creative designs.

Layering modroc is essential in order to create strong and durable sculptures, though it's important to allow time for layers to dry.

Textures and details can be added as modroc dries to give sculptures more character and uniqueness.

Thank you for joining me in this lesson.

I hope to see you in the next one.

See you next time.