The sculpture has fallen
I arrive this morning to a sorry sight. The front of the face has parted away and dropped forwards. It is split right through the core under its own weight. I feel devastated, numb. I felt so sure of the technique this time.
I fet unsure about the large rocks and the muds adhesion to the surface as lava rock is so porous. On analysis it seems this is where the failure has occured. Similiar to my sculpture at Hooke Park, it appears that any internal structure only serves to weaken the overall body, creating voids when worked, shaped and sculpted. The sculpture cannot hold its own weight if there are voids and it is still wet.
I feel winded by this and need time to pick myself back up and try again. Lessons in patience, persistance and perseverance. With each failure I must observe and then continue. Working too fast is like pouring a hot tea, I must wait to enjoy it. Rush it and I burn my tongue.
I spend the afternoon clearing the debris and reshaping the base section.
1. Direct Sunlight : I decide to remove the housing and replace with a small portable tarp cover.
2. Binder : Introduce black sugar palm fiber (a thick hair) and dried bamboo leaves in the mud mix.
3. Remove Rocks: Remove and make solid mud. Same build technique, in 2 stages with sun baking during build.