M: Can you take us through how you created......."bead eyes bmp"

I: The process for creating rubber fabrics can be rather complicated! This particular piece was built up in several stages:

a) initial drawing work, studies from drawings of the figure.

b) development from drawing to a more abstract solution, emphasizing qualities of form and texture and working towards a design solution. This stage involves sketching from the original drawings and identifying points I find to be particularly interesting.

c) Once the design drawings are complete, the next stage is to create a three-dimensional clay model of the fabric. In this case the clay was air dried only, but for highly smoothed surfaces it is necessary to glaze and fire the clay to achieve a glass-like surface.

d) A plaster of Paris mold is taken from the clay master and allowed to dry.

e)Vulcanized liquid latex with added dye and thickener is poured into the mold and dried. This process is repeated four to eight times, depending on the required thickness of the finished piece.

f) Once dry, the fabric is turned from the mold and the glass beads added in the appropriate indentations.

g) The completed fabric is dusted with talcum powder and stored in a cool dry place until completely cured, this takes approximately 48 hours.