Casting a Tongue in Silicone

I was busy at Toy Fare last week, so sorry for the brief break.  This week I am casting a tongue in my plaster mold.  No release agent necessary, silicone really only likes to stick to itself and very porous surfaces.  Rather than store bought pigments, I usually use oil paints.  It doesn't take much, just a dot or two and I can usually mix the exact color I want (do not use water-based oils).  I mix it into the the thicker half of the silicone mixture first and then use it ass a gauge of how well my silicone is mixed.  I use a Smooth-On brand Dragon Skin silicone.  It sets in about 15 minutes (that's a lot of slushing the mold around).

                                               

I add a second layer with a much richer red that will show through the translucent first layer.

 Then I back it with a final stabilizing layer.  Once the thin stuff has set, I know it's ready to demold.

::pop::

Ta-Daaahh.

Adding a think coat of clear for god measure and good sliminess.

Stealing For A Cause

As you may or may not know, much of my work is not something people would like to have in their home.  I was asked to do a painting for an auction benefit for Kris Woodyard.  She's an old friend of Christina's who is fighting cancer and a great lady with two kids.  IF you would like to own this painting, the auction is at the Palm valley Golf Club, Sunday Feb 10.  Here is the facebook page.  I decided a painting was my best bet.   I looked up "Funny still life" online and I came across the great photographs of Terry Border

Thinking along these lines, I made a little composition of my own and did an alla prima painting one a piece of wood last night.  I wanted to be sure to acknowledge him for the inspiration.  I worked so fast, I forgot to take process pictures.  It's been a long time since I have done a still life, and probably the first still life I've done in acrylic.  I was also on the fence as to whether I was going to post about this, but I figured I should post about it to promote the auction.    I don't know why he's looking at the personals, but he seems a little lonely.

Next week: back to the tongue