Jeffrey Francis Longtin on sat 11 jan 03
"Clay is molded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the
space where there is nothing...Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize
the utility of what is not.". --Lao Tzu
It's funny, as a mold-maker and potter the use of the term "molded" in this
quote fascinates me. I find it funny because even though I identify myself
primarily as a potter I get nearly as much pleasure from being a mold-maker.
Let me explain.
While most people think all mold-makers make molds AFTER the form is made I'm
a mold-maker who actually uses the mold to MAKE the form. In other words,
I'll make a form, out of plaster by the way, then I'll make a mold of that
form. I'll then alter that mold. I'll then use that mold to make a new
"altered" form. I'll then alter that "altered" form further. I'll then remold
it too. I'll go through this process several times over.
My reason for mentioning all this is to explain the fact that I have a lot of
molds of forms in various stages of alterations. It is really cool to
surround myself with all these forms, the plaster molds that is. It really
makes apparent, and makes me appreciate, the negative space that ALSO makes
up a form (in other words, "in the space where there is nothing").
If any of you are interested in looking at your work in a new light I'll
suggest you make a mold of it. To paraphrase, to appreciate what is you need
to appreciate what is not. :-)
Take care
Jeff Longtin
Complex Molds Made Easy
Pat Rogers on sat 11 jan 03
very interesting perspective, thanks!!!
pat
>>> plasterjfl@AOL.COM 01/11/03 10:15AM >>>
"Clay is molded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in
the
space where there is nothing...Thus, taking advantage of what is, we
recognize
the utility of what is not.". --Lao Tzu
It's funny, as a mold-maker and potter the use of the term "molded" in
this
quote fascinates me. I find it funny because even though I identify
myself
primarily as a potter I get nearly as much pleasure from being a
mold-maker.
Let me explain.
While most people think all mold-makers make molds AFTER the form is
made I'm
a mold-maker who actually uses the mold to MAKE the form. In other
words,
I'll make a form, out of plaster by the way, then I'll make a mold of
that
form. I'll then alter that mold. I'll then use that mold to make a new
"altered" form. I'll then alter that "altered" form further. I'll then
remold
it too. I'll go through this process several times over.
My reason for mentioning all this is to explain the fact that I have a
lot of
molds of forms in various stages of alterations. It is really cool to
surround myself with all these forms, the plaster molds that is. It
really
makes apparent, and makes me appreciate, the negative space that ALSO
makes
up a form (in other words, "in the space where there is nothing").
If any of you are interested in looking at your work in a new light
I'll
suggest you make a mold of it. To paraphrase, to appreciate what is you
need
to appreciate what is not. :-)
Take care
Jeff Longtin
Complex Molds Made Easy
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Timakia@AOL.COM on sat 11 jan 03
Interesting how you see this. I found my self lately making altered molds
from my pressmolds(simply to safe time). I did not think of the negative
space, but did find myself minutes ago looking at a new mold in process,
thinking of how I will use the space inside the mold. I do think your
perspective is a very good one to explore new shapes. Thanks for that.
Antoinette.
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