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Exploring hyperrealism with silicone materials: Josie Mullins, BA Production Arts for Screen

Two silicone moulded facial sculptures Copyright holder: Wimbledon College of Arts

Written byTyrone Huggins
Published date 15 July 2021

Josie Mullins, a BA Production Arts for Screen student, has been busy preparing her final year project for the UAL Graduate Showcase 2021.

Josie talks to us about her silicone figure project which focuses on hyper-realism and takes inspiration from the works of artists such as Ron Mueck, Sam Jinks, Sarah Sitkins and Tony Matelli. She also shares her experience of creating work at home and transitioning back to working in the studio.

How would you describe your art and design practice?

Throughout my degree, I have been open to exploring different art practices and avenues. However, during my second year and throughout lockdown I developed a strong interest in realistic effects and ways to achieve this.

I then created my 3rd year project on hyperrealism in silicone art, focusing on skills such as sculpture, lifecasting, silicone moulding and casting, silicone painting and hair-punching. My tutors have been so helpful with teaching these techniques and the visiting tutors have been amazing.

I also completed a few of the Stan Winston School of Character Arts courses which were incredibly helpful, especially over lockdown, in learning to create realistic effects.

Portrait head sculpt cast in Silskin 10 Silicone and painted with silicone and oil paint, layering different colour to create a natural, translucent effect. — **Josie Mullins,** **Josie’s work in progress: silicone sculpture of head and shoulders with painted details**
2021 Performance and design for theatre and screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts

Tell us more about your submission for the UAL Graduate Showcase

For my final piece, I have aimed to create a silicone lifelike figure. I have put all the skills and knowledge I have learnt from my research projects into practice and really enjoyed the whole process from sculpting to silicone painting. Once my project is complete, the figure will also be hair punched and placed into a set of a dressing room.

I will also be incorporating 3 masks into the dressing room, which will explore the topics of identity and self-image. These masks will be displayed along with the figure and will be open to interpretation for the viewer.

Can you tell us about the process and materials you have used?

The process of this piece started with sculpting the figure using detailed photographs as reference. I then moulded the figure in ZA22 Mould silicone with a Jesmonite jacket, followed by casting in Silskin 10 silicone. I have now painted the figure using oil paints mixed with silicone and lighter fluid to create a very translucent effect. The last stage is the hair-punching process which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Hands casts after seaming and before painting. The hands have been created by taking a life cast from a model and casting this in monster clay. I then moulded these separately from the figure and attached to the figure before painting the whole piece together. — **Josie Mullins,** **Work in progress: Josie’s silicone sculpture of arms and hands**
2021 Performance and design for theatre and screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts

What are the inspirations behind your project?

I am hugely inspired by artists such as Ron Mueck, Sam Jinks, Sarah Sitkin and Tony Matelli. I researched these 4 artists throughout my project and was very influenced by how they create hyperrealistic figures. I also loved how they all incorporate a narrative into their sculptures in very different ways.

How have you adapted your practice for working outside of the studio?

When I was doing work at home throughout lockdown, I found that I had to set myself aims for each day and then bigger targets for each week. This really motivated me and made sure I was on track throughout the project.

Silicone sculpture of legs and feet on figure with painted details. — **Josie Mullins,** **Work in progress: silicone feet on figure**
2021 Performance and design for theatre and screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts

How have you found your transition from creating from home to being back in the studio?

I have really loved being back in the studio, it has been great to learn different processes and skills in person with my tutor and technician. It has also been really lovely to spend time with other students on my course. We have really learnt so much off each other and been supporting each other throughout our final pieces.

What are your plans for the future?

I am very open to exploring different career options. However, I have particularly enjoyed the process of sculpture and mastering painting techniques and very much look forward to doing the hair work on my figure. I am very excited to graduate and to see where this degree takes me.

Close up head shot of silicone sculpture with painted details on facial features — **Josie Mullins,** **Close up of Josie’s silicone work**
2021 Performance and design for theatre and screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts

Do you have any advice for students considering studying on your course?

Make the most of the studios and facilities at university, the tutor's expertise and also your fellow students!

Josie Mullins studied a pathway called Technical Arts for her course. This pathway is now a new course at Wimbledon for 2021: BA Technical Arts for Theatre and Performance

Follow Josie on Instagram

Explore the UAL Graduate Showcase