Eggshell Powder as a viable sculpture Material: The case of W.B.M Zion Senior High School, Koforidua,Ghana

Abstract

Sculpture is one of the subjects studied in second cycle and tertiary institutions in Ghana. Due to its relevance in the socio-economic development of the country, materials for production of sculpture are of much importance. In some Second Cycle institutions where Visual Art is studied, many of the materials for sculpture production are imported, expensive or inaccessible to students due to the inadequate funding in purchasing materials for studio work. This has restricted Visual Arts teachers and students with limited materials resulting in less and monotonous practical works, depriving students of mastering effectively, the skills in sculpture production. Eggshells from hatcheries, homes and fast food industries have been used for art for centuries across the world. But they have also been disposed of as waste materials that may cause environmental pollution in some places including Ghana. This study experiments with eggshell powder for sculpture production that will be of benefit to Visual Art teachers and students in skills development lessons and the enhancement of creative ideas. This study has identified eggshell powder as a viable sculpture material through quasi experiments conducted with selected binders to ascertain its potential for modeling and casting. The methodology involves preparation of the Eggshells, milling of shells into powder, laboratory test for chemical composition of the powder, mixing with variety of binders, sculpting and finishing. Although eggshell powder reacted differently to the various binders, the results show that eggshell powder is a suitable unconventional material for modeling and casting figures. Second Cycle and tertiary Institutions are therefore encouraged to use it as alternative sculpting material to enrich the practical session of the visual art programme.