Almost as if I had to live out that very metaphor, the journey to success was long and arduous — when ever is it not in the world of mold making and slip casting?! I do secretly enjoy the challenge… Two 3D printed prototype models, two master molds, and almost a month of problem solving later, we got a successful cast going. The hole was the main issue, the very root of that metaphor. To delve into the technicalities, I discovered in the end that the cone portion of the plaster mold that creates the hole was getting water logged. As the primary purpose of plaster is to draw moisture from the clay slip (and thus create the thin, hard shell of clay inside), if the plaster remains wet it means the slip can’t release itself from it. I tried dozens of variables: longer hold times, longer demolding times, tried using an air compressor, but every time the slip tore when I pulled the mold open. All the while the deadline for the awards evening was quickly looming… |
