Bust Lamp Composites

This week our assignment was to make a composite, and I decided to make use of my manikins and make some bust lamps.

Since I was making lights I decided to modify the shape of the torso by adding the circle cuts to the male torso, thinking they would act as extrusions that would allow the form to better emit light. I then wrapped my torso and sprayed the release agent to prep it for the burlap application.

They key to success this week was applying the burlap in strips, it allowed for a cleaner and more precise application - since I created so many surface obstacles. I used the 4 hour set epoxy, and I used a lot more than I thought I would, as I was creating my composite it reminded me of making a pinata (ie. the strips and dipping the material in the epoxy). I then added the fluffy absorbent layer and put it in a vacuum sealed bag and let it set overnight.

On the left is my male torso right out of the bag. On the right is the final version, I added gold spray paint to the hole tips to further accentuate them. (Hard to see in the picture)

For my next round of composite making I wanted to switch things up a little. I went with the female torso this round, and I decided to use linen instead of burlap because I thought it would be a better a light diffuser.

I once again cut the material into strips, and this time to spice things up I added glitter, first I tried sprinkling it onto the epoxy soaked strips, but then I ended up adding it to the epoxy mix. It was a sparkling success.

I used the 4 hour set epoxy again, and the vacuum bag, and let it set for about 5 hours this time.

On the left is my female torso right out of the bag. On the right is the final version,I used the solder iron set at a high temp to poke holes into the bust.

The final bust turned on.