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Create work inspired by images of a life model. Pursue your own projects, e.g. make a mould, a portrait head, or a carving based on earlier figure studies.
The course is accessible to all people who have an interest in creating sculpture inspired by life. In term 1 there will not be a life model, but guided learning from the tutor.
The course explores a variety of different materials, methods and concepts of sculpture.
We will develop work inspired by life for the first six weeks. In the latter part ideas will be developed from the initial studies.
It may be that you will want to develop your work as a carving in wood, or perhaps as a cast in plaster or cement (or even bronze using the castle foundry free wax offer) - please talk to your tutor about these additional costs.
The course offers a formal introduction to all basic techniques and materials through demonstration, practice and discussion.
Evidence of students work is recorded on a regular basis. This will include photographs, written progress reports, sketchbooks, and other documentation.
You will work on individual projects. We encourage opportunities to share progress with peers. This allows for cross-fertilization of ideas, experience and development.
What you should be able to do by the end of the course
1. Create a piece of sculpture inspired by life.
2. Make informed choices about the direction of a piece of sculpture based on observation, imagination intellectual and emotional responses.
3. Apply techniques for making a successful sculpture e.g. construction of armatures.
4. Awareness of health and safety working practices relevant to sculpting processes, and particularly working with hazardous materials.
Each student will be expected to keep a notebook/sketchbook and record of work in progress both as a source of imagination and ideas and as an aid to the self-assessment process.
The tuition is more often than not one-to-one, but there are also tutor demonstrations and presentations.
More experienced students will be encouraged to help and advise new or less experienced students whenever possible.
Students will be encouraged to analyze, interpret, appraise and evaluate their work. This may take the form of a group discussion or individual consultation with the tutor or fellow students. The assessment will be geared to individual needs as appropriate.
The department provides some basic materials (clay to the value of £10 per term). Students will have to pay for specialized materials such as silicon rubber. Costs for equipment will be between £5 and £25 per term depending on your choice of materials.
Past students have progressed to exhibiting and selling their work, and have successfully applied for and completed degree courses in sculpture and art and design. Students stated that their lives have been given renewed meaning through continued study and practice, and many students return year after year.
Students can also progress to other courses at the Mary Ward Centre
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.