Artistry and Plaster

Lime, sand, cement, and water are found on every continent. Humans have been building and creating with plaster for centuries. The application of this material spans various domains.

Construction

Plaster’s affordability as a building material, malleability in application and durability when hardened gives it immense value. The forgiving nature and access to materials allows people from all walks of life to learn the application. The durability and permanence gives peace of mind that proper care means creating a legacy. Tradespeople and artists alike have used the pliable nature to their advantage to create intricate designs on walls such as bas relief sculpture or on the ceiling as an ornate cornice.

Art

Sculptors value the physical and chemical properties of plaster as well. Whether that is molds for detailed forms before casting a bronze figure or replicating the movements of the air, water, and earth on canvas. The versatility and quick drying time give endless possibilities.

Our resident artist Rebecca Gilling, can lead you through creating your own relief sculpture using lime and gypsum plaster.

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Individuals who gained notoriety for their mastery of plaster in the art world

Auguste Rodin - Plaster was preliminary to his bronze sculptures

Camille Claudel - Protegee of Rodin who specialized in emotive sculptures.

Donatello - Renaissance sculptor from Florence Italy.

Giambologna - Flemish sculptor who worked in Italy. Created models in plaster for larger bronze sculptures.

Antonio Canova - Italian Neoclassical sculptor who exemplified the ideals of beauty and harmony at that time

Louise Bourgeois - Contemporary sculptor who made plaster installations exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the human body.

Alberto Giacometti - Associated mainly with bronze sculptures but used plaster to capture raw and expressive energy.

Edgar Degas - Known mostly for paintings and drawings but also created sculptures of dancers to highlight their movement and form.