Leather as a medium for sculpture
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Date
2004-11-14
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Abstract
Progress in technology has made it possible for new materials to be introduced in production of goods.
From time immemorial, sculptures have been done using conventional materials, such as clay, metal, stone, plaster of Paris, cement, plasticine etc. These materials are expensive and difficult to acquire. Besides, works from these materials are also massive. The processes can also be hazardous and as well boring. Searching for new grounds in sculpture makes it expedient to explore alternatives materials.
Experimental and descriptive methods were used in this project. In the modeling, an armature was built and reinforced with marshed paper mixed with P.V.A. glue. Leather was then modeled with Formica glue and left to dry. The relief image was carved on elephant leather by removing the unwanted parts bit by bit to achieve and desired form, and then polished with lacquer. The cast image in leather was made form a clay mould. It was dried with a hard dryer to take the form of the mould, and then given a finish. The constructed forms were done by gluing pieces of different sizes of leather on cards with Formica glue to create forms. The forms were then joined into the constructed image with good finish. Leather was conveniently used in modeling, carving, casting and construction.
The works produced in this project are portable, light weight and transportable sculptures that are suitable for indoor decoration. The skills involved can be used to produce small and light weight sculptures as souvenir to give the tourism industry a boost. Besides, the scare, which is a hindrance to sculpture to sculpture, as expressed by the young ones, due to its strenuous and energy consuming nature, is limited. It is a clue to those who find it cumbersome and difficult in the acquisition of the conventional materials for sculpture. It is recommended that other durable leather is explored for sculpture. Students in the field of art can adopt the methods used in the project as a cheap and easy means of producing sculpture.
In order to boost up Ghana’s tourism industry, the project report will motivate sculptors to produce more sculptures of this kind to compliment the other leather articles that are already on the market. It is generally recommended that sculptors and students produce more sculptures in leather.
Description
A Project Report submitted to the School of Graduate Studies
in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Master
of Philosophy Degree in Art Education, 2004