Plaster
Plaster has been used since about 9000 BC in Mesopotamia as a building material. It was used as a medium for sculpture in the first century in Egypt. Plaster casts of busts and art works bacame quite popular from the 15th century on. In the 20th century, Modern Art artists began to experiment with a variety of techniques with plaster.
Plaster can be molded, layered, cast, carved, chipped, polished and finished. A variety of safety precautions must be adhered to since the setting plaster gets hot and plaster dust can be dangerous if inhaled.
Mummy Mask; Roman period, ca. 60–70; Egyptian; Probably from Meir; painted plaster, cartonnage (linen and gesso), and plant fibers;"Mummy Mask [Egyptian; Probably from Meir]" (19.2.6) In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/19.2.6. (October 2006)
Plaster model for Cupid and Psyche; 18th century (1794); Antonio Canova; Rome, Italy; plaster;
"Antonio Canova: Plaster model for Cupid and Psyche" (05.46) In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/05.46. (October 2006)
Constantin Brancusi, The Kiss, plaster cast version, 1907-08;
The above image is in the public domain.
Some sites about plaster:
UCL: History of Plaster
Princeton: Art Safety, Plaster
NPG: Plaster Figure Makers
Cornell Library: Plaster Casts
Selos Art: History of Plaster
Some tips and tutorials about plaster:
BBC: Fabric and Plaster to Create Forms
Ceramics Arts Daily: Plaster Mixing 101
How to Use Sculpture Tools : How to Construct Plaster Sculptures - YouTube
Some artists who worked with plaster:
George Segal
The Metropolitan Museum: Plaster
Some contemporary artists who work with plaster:
Margaret Adam Sparker
Sculpture Studio: Artists Working with Plaster