Find light weight material for outdoor figurative sculpture

[sculptmajic]

I have a 7' figurative sculpture of a woman looking up at the moon.
I started with flat panels of styrofoam which I carved into a female with a hotwire.
I have tried Rapid Set,different types of Mortar Mix, and cement. It is now
so heavy that it is impossible to work. I need a lighter material to cover the body. After I cover the body I want to dip fabric in something and drape clothes on her. I need something that I can build up the muscles and the face. Please, I am open to suggestions.
Thx:

[Arrow]

Papier Mache.

Fiberglass and polyester resin.

Or use more foam and cover with a hard coat like styrospray: http://www.industrialpolymers.com/styrospray.html

Or Vanillacryl perhaps: http://www.fxsupply.com/vanillacryl/vanillacryl.html

[Blacksun]

if you go the fiberglass route, use Marine Grade (Boat) resin...it works well on styrofoam.

[sculptmajic]

Thank you 4 your response!!!!!!!!! I am checking prices and availibility.
To bad I didn't get your info b4 I started experimenting with the heavy, rocky stuff.

[sculptmajic]

Thank you, if I go fiberglass I will follow your lead

[mountshang]

Originally Posted by sculptmajic

Thank you, if I go fiberglass I will follow your lead

Check out "Forton MG" as the material with which to saturate your glass cloth.
It's out-door durable -- is not photo sensitive -- and best of all -- is non-toxic.
(though it is somewhat harder to grind/sand/finish)

[Tlouis]

Doesn't Forton MG contain plaster? If so, how can it withstand weathering?
Lou

[mountshang]

Originally Posted by Tlouis

Doesn't Forton MG contain plaster? If so, how can it withstand weathering?
Lou

The plaster (hydrocal) is bound within a kind of water-based resin that keeps water out (but still it is recommended to use an exterior sealant)

[Judith Forster-]

Originally Posted by sculptmajic

I have a 7' figurative sculpture of a woman looking up at the moon.
I started with flat panels of styrofoam which I carved into a female with a hotwire.
I have tried Rapid Set,different types of Mortar Mix, and cement. It is now
so heavy that it is impossible to work. I need a lighter material to cover the body. After I cover the body I want to dip fabric in something and drape clothes on her. I need something that I can build up the muscles and the face. Please, I am open to suggestions.
Thx:

You are the first artist I have read that uses styrofoam. I came up with this method in 1996, have done 11 whimsical figures/settings until putting aside in 2003. Intend renewing art in this method but with different subject matter, just figures (nudes first). I have always cut, sanded, hot-glued. Next tissue-paper papier mache with watered Elmer's Glue. Sand again and paint with acrylics. Extremely light, the base of thick wood is the weight, nothing else. Knitting needles come up through holes in base, figures' legs are driven down onto the needles until their feet touch base/hot-glue. Very stable. If you wish to see my work, I would be happy to email (no web site).

Judith, Minnesota