Slipcast Game Boy - Wall Installation

2024 exhibitions:

OCC Student Exhibition; Pontiac Creative Arts Center in Pontiac, Michigan; March 22 - April 19th
Re/View: CCS Alumni Exhibition; Valade Gallery in Detroit, Michigan - May 10th - 22nd

The Fun (and messy!) Process

I specifically purchased a non-functioning Game Boy from eBay to use as a prototype to make a plaster mold for slipcasting with. Although not difficult, the steps involved in making a plaster mold are many and time consuming. After making a two-piece plaster mold, I did a few test runs of how long it would take the plaster to absorb water from the slip to form a clay Game Boy.

Testing Glazes

Game Boy prototype, once-fired bisque-ware Game Boy, and fully glazed Game Boy testing a clear matte glaze. Notice the shrinkage rate from the original size of the Game Boy to the fully glaze-fired piece.

With intricate details on each side of the Game Boy, I used different gloss levels of glazes to test for running, pooling, and gloopy clumping before moving onto color formulation.

Testing Wall Mounting, Placement, and Spacing

I tested mounting a few bisque-fired Game Boys to decide the level of space I wanted between each piece. My goal is to slipcast 50+ Game Boys for a full wall installation.