The Cast & The Curious
October 15 - 20, 2023
Sarah Reagan · sarahreaganstudio.com
Mark Tan · marktanstudio.com
Workshop at a glance
Transform concrete and wood into works of art in “The Cast & The Curious.” Discover the creative possibilities of combining these materials through mold-making, casting, and assemblage techniques, and join a community of like-minded artists pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture.
Techniques
- Using soft, unconventional materials such as latex, dowels, and foam to create molds for casting
- Mixing and pouring concrete to create a range of textures and shapes
- Incorporating wood and other materials into concrete sculptures for reinforcement purposes
- Creating jigs and small studies to test and refine ideas before making a more finalized sculpture
Materials
- Concrete mix
- Wood for creating positive forms and reinforcements
- Release agents to prevent sticking between molds and casting materials
- Hand and power tools for fabricating, carving, and finishing sculptures (e.g., chisels, sandpaper, drills, etc.)
Outcomes
- Proficiency in mold-making, casting, and assemblage techniques, prioritizing concrete and wood
- A collection of small studies and jigs showcasing their experimentation and exploration of materials
- A more finalized sculpture that reflects and expands upon their independent research and studio practice
Artist Bio
Sarah Reagan (she/they) and Mark Tan (he/him) create sculptures that express emotional and personal themes while incorporating various materials. Reagan imbues traditionally brutal materials like lumber and concrete with juvenile qualities to create playful sculptures. Her work explores the challenges of moving through a world that often seeks to punish individuality, curiosity, and queerness. Meanwhile, Tan produces interactive sculptures made from reclaimed solid wood, found materials, and domestic construction building materials at an architectural scale. His work explores preconceived notions and disconnectedness in seeking acceptance within a community.
Both artists received their MFA in the Craft/Material Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Reagan is the Sculpture Fellow at the Wassaic Project in New York, while Tan is an Assistant Professor of Sculpture at Arizona State University. Despite their differences in approach, Reagan and Tan share a commitment to exploring deeply personal themes through unconventional techniques and materials.
Workshop Description
Are you curious about the transformative power of unconventional materials? Do you want to explore the potential of concrete beyond its industrial roots?
In this course, you will learn how to take concrete and wood to new heights through the art of mold-making, casting, and assemblage. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sculptor, this workshop is for you. You will experiment with an array of materials to create small studies, jigs, and one more finalized sculpture that will reflect and expand upon your independent research and studio practice.
By the end of this course, you can expect to have a deeper understanding of mold-making techniques, the transformative power of unconventional materials, and how to create dynamic sculptures that are both sensitive and strong. Join us as we push the boundaries of concrete and wood to create truly unique and thought-provoking works of art.
COURSE FEE: $775 · materials list
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