Document jmgG74JbeV9wqOY2rERLzazDZ

FILE NAME: Smoking (SMOK) DATE: 1959 Feb DOC#: SMOK055 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: School of Arts Journal - Making Asbestos Murals Malting asbestos murals Leslie Peacock Fibrous asbestos, wheat paste and casein glue make an excellent m odeling m aterial which can be used for both two- and three-dim ensional art activities. The m aterial offers many possibilities for experimenting. Asbestos, a fascinating material, is becoming a popular medium of expression for students. This activity requires few materials and little equipment. Fibrous asbestos, wheat paste, backboards (celofex or plywood), casein glue, knives, objects for creating texture, and powdered tempera are all that is needed. The asbestos is mixed by oourina dry asbestos into a large pan and mixing wheat paste in a separate container. A d d wheat paste and a small amount of water to asbestos. Then mix with spoon or squeeze with hands. When ready for use, mixture should form a sticky mass almost the consistency of modeling clay. Cut sections of backboard into pieces of equal size. Size will often be determined by the number of people to work on each section. Draw a pencil outline on backboard and The asbestos mixture was used effectively to model the panel illustrated above. The bas-relief created by modeling the material offers many possibilities for experimentation. A mixture of this type could offer children at various ages d i versified sculptural experiences. Paint is easily applied. After adding a small amount of water to the fibrous asbestos and wheat paste, the mixture can be mixed and kneaded by hand. aoply casein glue to small areas at a time. Press asbestos mixture onto glued areas and shape with fingers. Smooth with fingers or a damp sponge. Press with sticks or other small objects to develop interesting textures. Background may be left vacant and painted in later. When picture is filled in, it can be painted before or after drying. This activity may easily be correlated with other subjects. Some favorite topics are: maps, puppet heads, history of transportation, history of man, prehistoric animals, nature, astronomy, other cultures, etc. Sectional murals may be made separately and joined together when completed. This wonderful medium of art will stimulate much enthusiasm and may be carried out with a minimum of confusion. It is a self-directive experience requiring only simple planning and preparation. The results will be most satisfying for creative expression. Asbestos is an excellent modeling material. The wheat paste acts as a binder. Before beginning a planned activity with this material some time should be allowed for experi mentation and exploration. Using cardboard for back boards, asbestos can be shaped, applied without glue, re moved and reshaped if desired. This gives a feeling and helps to develop an understanding for what the material can do. Try it with your children. They will like it. A study of the Roman Empire produced the relief map shown. Leslie Peacock teaches sixth grade in Jacksonville, Florida. Casein glue is applied to a small area at a time. The asbestos is then pressed onto the glued areas and shaped with fingers.