8th Grade

Tattooed Plaster Cast

Objective: B

• Materials

– vaseline (petroleum jelly)

– plastic wrap

– plaster guaze rolls (find them for cheaper at a medical supply company)

– containers for water and

• Class Periods - 3

• Pre-class Prep:

– cut plaster strips

1- brainstorm session/slides of student work2- work of George Segal3-

students make a plaster cast of their hand/armdesign a tattoo that represents their 'past, present and future'. The kids love making the cast but generally find designing the tattoo- finding ideas- very challenging.  I always find it surprising how non-reflective some students can be regarding their own life- many have no idea what they want/hope/dream for their future other than 'get rich'. So, my advice for this project would be to have a big brainstorming session with the class to generate ideas for their tattoo.

For an art history tie-in, I show them the work of American artist George Segal and his full body plaster casts

start by cutting loads of plaster strips of varying lengths and widths

have the kids coat their hand/arm with petroleum jelly, then put plastic wrap over top to really protect the skin and ensure the cast will come off easily.  tell the kids they only have to cast one-half of an arm (the top or bottom), but you inevitably get a few who want to cast the whole thing-- I've never tried it myself but my students have done it successfully- you essentially cast two halves separately then re-plaster them together the next day.

do between two-three layers for strength. use a paintbrush to 'blend' the plaster while it is still damp to get a really super smooth finish .Leave the casts to dry overnight. 

Note: It took us one-90 minute period to cast one half of an arm/hand.

Students have to make a plan of their cast in their sketchbooks first....

brainstorm(have note books to write ideas down and paper to sketch)life - past, present, futurewants, dreams, hope

not the typical “get rich”

highschoolcollegecareerfamily travel

what’s important to youhumorgarden/earthmusicathleticsart/photographydancevolunteeringyour heritage

Think about how you will finish the plaster cast

is it paintedcollagewritten wordgeometric patternssymbolism

what else

Adinkra Symbol meaning forever seeking knowledge

cutting strips of plaster rolls

cover skin with vaseline and plastic

make a plan of cast and tatoo

Finished cast ready to be painted, collaged, etc.

This student attached her full cast to a piece of cardboard so it was standing upright like a tree.The plaster strings represent roots of a tree- her family roots (past).  So expressive.