Workshop
Futura Botanica Latex
Teaching how to make raw clay molds for natural latex casting. The results of the workshop were collaged together as one, collaborative sculpture that was then placed as part of the exhibition Futura Botanica at Niewe Veste, Breda (NL).
About the workshop:
“During this workshop, you will learn how to create recyclable casting molds from raw clay, into which you can pour your own natural latex creations. With these castings, you will shape organic forms, leaves, and textures for speculative future plants. Guided by artist Silke Riis, these creations will transform into collective sculptures of small alien plants, which will then become part of the exhibition in the garden.
The workshop begins with a short introduction to the artist’s practice and the theme of speculative evolution – a way of working with biology through a futuristic lens. It is hands-on and practical, including an introduction to working with natural latex and techniques for making clay molds. Participants will carve their molds and mix their own latex colors. Because of the drying process, the molds need to rest overnight in an undisturbed spot.
The following day, artist Silke Riis will attach the results to found branches, after which they will be placed in the exhibition. In this way, the workshop produces collective sculptures of small alien plants that grow into the exhibition itself.”
The workshop begins with a short introduction to the artist’s practice and the theme of speculative evolution – a way of working with biology through a futuristic lens. It is hands-on and practical, including an introduction to working with natural latex and techniques for making clay molds. Participants will carve their molds and mix their own latex colors. Because of the drying process, the molds need to rest overnight in an undisturbed spot.
The following day, artist Silke Riis will attach the results to found branches, after which they will be placed in the exhibition. In this way, the workshop produces collective sculptures of small alien plants that grow into the exhibition itself.”
