Silicone mould - mind BLOWN

When I wrote about making a setting for ‘Need’ yesterday I was imagining using a wooden circular picture frame for the bezel setting and 3D print some claws. But now…..

What about making my own frames out of found materials (like cardboard, plastic, etc.) and then making a silicone mould of it? Then I can cast it in (I don’t know what yet), then spray it gold. 

Time for a pros & cons list:

Pros:

• This continues with the theme of using recycled and repurposed materials

• As ‘perfect’ as I try and make it, the frame will be asymmetrical and irregular

• The aesthetic of an artwork that from a distance looks perfect, lush, valuable and expensive but up close is kitch, gross, scary or unpleasant is something I have been exploring for many years

• It would be fun to make

Cons:

• I don’t know how to make a silicone mould yet, but that should really be a ‘pro’ because it’s a new skill I can learn

• I’d probably need more space to make this than I currently have to work in

• Cost of the moulding equipment needed

These are some gold frames I made years ago out of paper mache:

Performance Artist (Diptych - painting 2 of 2)
2009
Mixed media on cardboard and paper
88cm x 114cm approx. 
(Photo credit: Rod Gill)

View 12 and View 13 (installation view)
2010
Acrylic and mixed media on paper & cardboard
(Photo credit: Christian Capporo)

I love how kitch they are. This time round, I need them to be super-smooth so that I can get a mirror-like finish on them when I spray them gold. It’s very important that the audience sees their reflection in the claws and bezel setting so they will have to be as smooth as possible. Perhaps 3D printing would be easier to achieve this smooth finish however I’m now really keen to make my own frames again!