Making a Plaster Sculpture

Artist, David Stead has a first attempt at making a figure sculpture from plaster, taking you step by step through the process with a mishap or two along the way.

[@luluspittles5424]

This was enormous fun to watch and I enjoy your approach and humor very much. I have mostly worked with cementous compounds and drywall joint compound (depending in on the indoor/outdoor destination) and, especially given the fiddly issues of working with paper, I have found tin foil to be preferable for fleshing out the armatures. Also, quick 'hack' - building tricky appendages like heads, hands etc. can be shaped first and added later to prevent stress on the overall piece. Please don't read this as criticism in any way; just me chatting to a man who has now inspired me to go sculpt again. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@clementramon8589]

We dont make mistakes. We have happy accidents...
BOB ROSS.
Enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing.

[@EmmaMagenta-zg8rv]

I am extremely grateful for this video and i love your humility. it's encouraging for other artists to also know that the greatest fun is in the unknown, playing, making mistakes etc.... love it...really enjoyed your presentation style also.

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Very kind, thank you Emma.

[@SheCreatesStuff2]

The process is very organic and cathartic, to be sure. I love that you are "keeping it real" in a fake world.

[@Mi6ueLCarbajal]

I find it magical, the “mistakes” we make. In your case, breaking your own head. It’s symbolic to me.

[@packleader1956]

I love this! Your honesty and enjoyment of trying something new is inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

[@robinjourdan3847]

So happy to find your video David. I’m a beginner sculptor too, working with plaster (look up the “dry lake bed” technique for plaster mixing. No matter, this is super helpful - I’m subscribing. P.s. love your energy!!!❤

[@hughsmith8859]

I have worked with plaster forbover 30 years love it biggest piece i make was 5 ft tall based on heads on easter island

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

Not sure I realised you had been _so_ sick, but what a journey you've had! So many have been left feeling vulnerable, or at least changed, by the pandemic. I believe beauty, i.e., art, is both our salvation and a prompt to move forward. Thus, I can't help but think the work you're doing now is extremely important. 🙏

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Thank you so much for your kind words Lyndsey x

[@telmarodrigues3651]

I'm from Brazil and I'm delighted with your work. Simply wonderful...👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@euniceappling7912]

I can't wait to try this. Thank you. I love it.

[@nickturner3654]

Thank you David, this is such a useful lesson. I am working in a plaster statue using polystyrene rubbish from a skip and an aluminum wire armature, I love the ankle problem, it has made me consider weight distribution as mine will be top heavy. I will use your video as a reference. All the best

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Hi Nick. Since making the vid I've discovered Jesmonite...superb modeling material.

[@nickturner3654]

Thank you@@DavidSteadStudio , I'll have a look at that when Ive become a more confident sculptor, I'm a nart foundation mature student learning to think in three dimensions after doodling all my life. ICurrently discovering the perils of quick drying plaster, mine is over stirred, leaving me with two good mixes to three disasters, I.m glad I ordered 25KG!!

[@louisebirnick1910]

So happy to hear that! Have fun! 🎉

[@mandybell7884]

Yes alot of us have week ankles due to the weight of our figures lol ! Great job and love your video's! Really appreciate you and learning from you. ❤ God bless - I'm so thankful you recovered . 🙏

[@louisebirnick1910]

Loved this!! So inspiring, def gonna give it a go. You are brilliant btw :)

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Thanks so much 😊

[@AppleCoralicious]

Thank you for sharing, I truly enjoyed watching your process. Many blessings.

[@enma325]

Really enjoyed this, I have my first lesson in plaster sculpture th8s coming Wednesday and this has helped me kn9wnwhat to expect, glad to hear you are better n9w.

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Glad it was helpful Emma

[@swash333]

Love it David. Take care of yourself.

[@DavidSteadStudio]

And you E.G.

[@my_garden.secrets]

Brilliant 😅....

[@soledude]

Nicely done. 👌👌👌

[@user-zz5xh9oz6o]

Hey David, I love this. How has this stood the test of time? Has it since cracked and withered to nothing, or is this method nice and durable? Going to start something similar myself..

[@NkengNemboArtsNEntertainment]

Amazing work sir David. How do I get training physically and mentally in your studio? 🎉😂

[@SuinegNet]

great video.
would you mind sharing where you got your coffee mug?

[@teachingtoolsm.y.venkatesh4925]

❤

[@organick4]

Welcome back.

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Thank you Nick - it's been a while.

[@spyrock247]

Will this last a long time if kept indoors?

[@DavidSteadStudio]

@spyrock247 it will yes....but what I've done is cover it in Jesmonite which will weatherproof it too.

[@louisebirnick1910]

Will you do more sculptures? (Please?)😊

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Hi Louise, thank you for your comment and yes...I'll soon be starting another sculpture.

[@Kosmo_dogs]

Wow!

[@cliffdariff74]

Always wonder how brits deal with their horrid weather, rainy and grey.

[@DavidSteadStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to share your perceptive and insightful view.

[@GeorgeCofei]

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