As we learn how to cast molten iron into masks, we undertake our own journey into compassion, creativity, and community. Using the healing power of art, we discover our own iron heroes lurking within.
In this 8-session class we will create oil-clay masks based on the heroic qualities we find inside ourselves. We will pack our oil-clay masks in a sand/resin mixture, and travel to FireFest - in Star, North Carolina - to cast our pieces in iron.
This is a hands-on learning journey that takes us through clay sculpting methods; foundry processes for bonded-sand molds; safety and management of a 3,000º blast furnace; and using art to heal ourselves, as well as those around us.
The journey begins in Liberty Arts Studios, 918 Pearl Street, where we will sculpt the faces of our inner heroes
We then move to our beautiful foundry in Durham Central Park, where we create sand molds of those faces
Finally we travel to Star N.C. for the annual FireFest festival; suit-up in leathers; and cast our pieces in molten iron
Our final class we return to the studio, trim excess metal from our heroes, and reflect on our journey
Note: Students need to supply their own leather boots for the pour. This class includes all other safety equipment; materials, instruction and supervision in the use of tools; and transportation to and from Liberty Arts for the FireFest festival.