Ref: SWE35888
From creating light, to preserving food, wax in all its forms has proved a very useful material for humans since ancient times. Perhaps one of its most sublime uses is in its transformation into metal during the lost-wax process. From public art on a heroic scale to intimate objects for the home, all began with this humble material.
During this beginner level course, you will learn the techniques and processes for creating wax sculptures for metal casting, including creating hollow waxes, spruing, finishing techniques and surface preparation.
Overview:
First evening Introduction
Day 1 Morning Welcome and discussion about design, form, undercuts and other technical considerations. You will sketch potential designs and learn techniques for carving into your waxes, as well as modelling wax.
Afternoon Demonstration on best practice when painting up wax from a silicon rubber mould for casting. If you have a mould, you will be able to paint a wax copy. If you do not have a mould, you will be able to paint a wax from a mould from our foundry stock.
Day 2 Morning The moulds will be opened and waxes removed, ready for cleaning. There will be discussion about the previous days waxes and the best methods to prepare wax for spruing.
There will be a wax spruing demonstration, and the wax sculpture will be attached to a running system, ready for casting in metal.
Afternoon You will sprue your cleaned waxes, ready for casting.
By the end of the course, you will complete a wax sculpture to a professional standard, ready for casting in metal.
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including some green casting wax and microcrystalline wax per student. On this course the College will supply some of the materials including 2 paint brushes per student, and some white spirit, sandpaper and corn oil to share amongst the group.
An apron
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials are available to purchase from the college shop.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Stephen Coles studied at Carmarthen School of the Arts, before completing a master’s degree in sculpture at Alfred University, New York. After teaching there, he returned to the UK to begin his own foundry practice. In addition to teaching at institutions throughout the UK and Europe, Stephen works with artists, museums and conservationists creating bespoke works in metal.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
