07 December 2019
- Submerging electroformed plastic drawing in copper sulphate solution – to crop crystals at strategic points
2. Suspending my electroformed plastic drawing over salt vinegar solution, introducing wood sticks with wound copper sheets between the copper and salt solution for absorption and deposition of crystals near surface of copper drawing..
3. Hollow Brass pipes stuffed with wood shavings and wrapped with thin copper strips around the open edges – for potential fern crystallization at open edges
4. Electroplating crystals:
Upon dehydration, the copper sulphate solution used for (1.) above, resulted in crystallization of copper sulphate in rhomboid shapes. I thought this sparkly crystal structure could be used in creating aesthetic objects by electroplating around the edges. I secured the surface of the crystals with clear nailpaint, and painted the edges with graphite paint. Next i suspended some of the painted crystals in my electroplating setup.
Observation: Most crystals did not survive the electroforming process, and dissolved into the solution despite the protective nailpaint coat. Some did result in copper edges along the crystal, however, these dont seem like they will last long.
Note: I should try this with potash alum, since it might have hardier crystals.
4. I also laser cut scaled up versions of my speculative drawing in 4mm birch ply and 6mm cork sheet, with the intention to crop salt crystals at strategic points, by wrapping copper wires and strips along the lines of the drawing.
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