Development of Latex and Tuplast

Following the last tryout with latex, we developed this further in class with more objects. We also added in tuplast to create different shapes that imitate scarring seen in tribes over the world. For this I used flaked almonds, staples and broken up walnuts.

 

Before adding Latex to the skin do a patch test to see if the client is allergic to the product. Apply the latex to the skin and stick the almonds onto it. With a hairdryer on the coolest setting dry the latex and then add another layer so you can build up the effect. 

When dry the latex will become shiny. I then added staples so that there was a different kind of texture on the skin. Once again add a layer of latex and dry until it is clear. Use acetone to break down the edges to blend the latex into the skin. 

Walnuts were then added to create some more texture on the skin. 

Once the walnuts were added I built up the flaked almonds so that the look was more 3D creating different textures and different levels.

Once the latex has dried you can start applying the colour to make the build up of nuts look like they are blended into the skin. This part needs to be blended with brushes as using fingers can dislodge the nuts. After a base has been applied to the nuts powder over the top to seal the colour. This will make sure the base is protected and will not rub. 

As you can see in the image the edges haven't been blended away with acetone. This means that the base just sticks to the latex and doesn't allow for any blending. Therefore the next time I will need to make sure the edges are blended away so that the latex and nuts blends into the skin. 

I think this look can be developed, by adding other colours and different textures. The design could alter the look of the body. Imagine if it was all over the arms or around the face, it would alter how the shape of the face looks. 

The next step was to add tuplast to the skin. Tuplast is used to create the effect of scars. When using tuplast make sure the lid is on as it can dry out quickly. I added tuplast around the edges and then added different shades of pink to bring out the scaring. The shades of pink here are too bold and doesn't blend in to the skin. The look is more obvious and needed to be more subtle. I think that this look can be developed and made bigger using different shades of colour and different types of nuts with other textures.

After the latex was taken off it left this red pattern on the skin which also is seen in parts of the body modification world. 

Furthermore when taken off the skin the latex formed together to create this all in one piece. I thought that this could also be developed and added to the skin again on top or around other pieces to alter the look of the face.