The Wonderful World of Wounds

Toby Francis*, Mary McClung, College of Creative Arts, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Theatre/Drama (Oral-Human Engagement) 

Student’s Major: Theatre Design & Technology 

My field of research is theatre makeup and prosthetics. What that entails is prosthetic cuts, burns, bullet wounds, warts, pimples, etc. To start I need multiple clear reference photos on the subject to begin sculpting. The material used for this is Monster Clay, which is a reusable oil and wax-based clay that never dries out. I use clay tools and other unconventional objects to sculpt the prosthetics and create layers in the clay. When I am pleased with my clay sculpt I use grey clay to create a well around the sculpt. Once I have that attached to the same surface as my monster clay I begin mixing together powder concrete and warm water to pour into the well. I slowly pour in the plaster to prevent air bubbles ruining the mold and once the well is filled 3/4th of the way up I stop pouring. After a few days of waiting to be sure it's dry all the way, I break apart the grey clay wall and separate the plaster mold from the clay sculpture. At this point I begin layering the latex onto the plaster and when it is complete brush baby powder on all surfaces of the latex as you peel it from the mold. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course