Introduction to Sculpture

Program Overview

Explore sculpting techniques and materials in this 5-day course led by experienced tutor Richard Janes. Through a combination of lectures, practical tutorials, and group critiques, students will hone their skills in creating three-dimensional artworks and develop their artistic finesse in the creative studio culture of Nottingham Trent University's City Campus.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Course Content:
• Explore and develop skills in creating three-dimensional artworks using a variety of materials.
• Transform drawings into 3D artworks and work directly into carving.
• Learn how to use tools safely and effectively.
• Work with a range of materials including clay, aluminium, and aeroblock.
• Hone skills in creating sculptures that express form, emotion, and artistic finesse.
• Practice joining metal without heat and learn simple carving techniques.
• Course Structure:
• Each day begins with a brief lecture featuring examples from relevant artists, followed by practical tutorials with step-by-step demonstrations.
• Course Schedule:
• Day 1:
Introduction to Sculpture and the History of Sculpting
• Day 2:
Clay and Wire Armature
• Day 3:
Working with Aluminum Wire
• Day 4:
Carving Techniques with Aeroblock
• Day 5:
Finishing Your Sculptures
• Individual Modules:
• Day 1:
Introduction to tutor and to sculpture with a short lecture on the history of sculpture. Start practical work, learning and developing skills of modelling with Clay including how to keep the material workable, use of modelling tools, carving and building. We will be using the human form as our inspiration looking at artists such as Michelangelo and August Rodin.
• Day 2: Using the work of Alberto Giacometti as inspiration, you’ll develop themes of the Human Form and expression through stance and gesture.
You’ll be introduced to metal as a material and build on the modelling used in day one.
• Day 3: Create a metal sculpture, addressing challenges in joining metal without heat, drawing inspiration from artists like Alexander Calder, Sally Mathews, and Celia Smith.
• Day 4: Learn to carve using rasps and chisels, creating sculptures from concrete.
Draw inspiration from artists like Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Constantin Brancusi.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• In-person delivery on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
• 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
• Brief lectures, practical tutorials with step-by-step demonstrations, one-on-one tutorials, group critiques.
• Faculty:
• Richard Janes, a sculptor and artist based in Nottingham with an international portfolio of work.
• Richard studied Fine Art and graduated with a BA Honours in 1993.
• He has created over 50 Public Art commissions, including one of the first site specific sculpture trails for the National Trust at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.
• Richard has taught at various academic institutions including Nottingham Trent University.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Sculptor
• Opportunities:
• Expand artistic practice
• Diversify creative offerings
• Open doors to various artistic opportunities
• Outcomes:
• Certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course.

Other:

• Studio Culture:
• Be part of a design community in a creative studio culture that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
• Limited Class Size:
• Benefit from one-to-one attention to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work.
• Facilities:
• Based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
• Receive training and advice on how to fully utilise the equipment in the workshop.
• Materials:
• All supplies and equipment to build your piece will be provided.
• Required Materials:
• Visual research of artists, craftspeople and/or designers that have created sculptures that inspire you.
• Notepad and pen.
• Camera or camera phone (optional).
• Clothing:
• Wear appropriate clothing for the workshop environment, including closed-toe footwear.