Memorial to Earth's Moon

"Memorial to Earth's Moon" was created with consideration of what we would memorialize in the future if we are not aware of the potential impact of our current actions. From an isolated outpost on Mars, we find ourselves building a monument of Earth's lost moon as we last knew it, colonized, stripped of its resources, and spiraling to its doom. While this monument speaks to the decisions we can make as we engage in the future and space travel, it's organic form also encourages us to consider decisions at present involving our bodies and earthly phenomenon.

The entire form is made of Super Sculpey, foil, wire, wood, and acrylic paint.

In the background is another sculpture in progress, the "Mars Outpost Rust Refinery."

Super Sculpey

Cornstarch (for baking)

Foil

Armature Wire

Dowel Rod or Wood Sticks

Gold Heavy Body Acrylics (or paint of your choice)

Paint Brushes

This is such an important step! Sketch out your ideas! Sometimes I get stuck in my head, and if I just get something out on paper, it gets me to the next step (even if the sketches are really simple).

I am working with Super Sculpey because it is accessible to work with in the home. I built an armature out of wire, foil, and a dowel rod. I started with wrapping the wire around a vinegar bottle to get the spiral shape, then added layers of foil around that. I used foil to create the ball for the moon, and a dowel rod down the middle for support. Here's what I have found important to know about Super Sculpey:

• It's best between 1/4" and 1/2" thick (that is why we create an underlayer with foil and other materials, plus it saves on the cost of using as much of the expensive Sculpey material)
• Bake it in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness
• If you find 15 minutes is not enough after cooling, you can always pop it back in
• Cover it in cornstarch while baking for both structural support, and to protect from burning while cooking
• Use 70% isopropyl alcohol for smoothing while you are sculpting (a higher percentage than this might be too strong and break down the polymer too quickly - but you can try)

After you bake it and your sculpture is cool, you can paint it! I used Gold brand heavy body acrylics with a gel medium, but any water based paint is fine. (At this time, I am unsure what other paints are safe. Some may interact with the polymer that the clay is made of and break down over time. This would require further research).

I liked the organic form, so I decided to lean into that with the color choices.