Ref: SWE36193
This course aims to introduce processes and techniques to complete an animal sculpture of your choice. You will learn to roll clay slabs, incorporate texture and build animal forms in a hollow way, then use slabbing techniques in order to construct an internal clay armature, which will then be built onto.
On the first day, you will learn hand-rolling techniques and preparation for making legs and the internal armature; the tutor will demonstrate how to do this, and experience working with the clay in an immediate way.
There will be opportunities to look at and discuss various sculptural approaches. You will work from your original source materials and pictures of the animal you have chosen to make (size dimensions should be no more than 30cm high or wide). Anatomy of the animal will also be discussed, and ways to accentuate the form, in order to express the essence of the animal. By the end of day one, the beginnings of an internal armature will be in place, ready for constructing the skin and textures on day two. Advanced students will be able to make a start on the next steps.
On the second day, there will be opportunities to look at the creative use of applying the clay skin to the structure, alongside discussions and demonstrations of joining techniques. Looking at methods in which to create animal heads, you will be encouraged to experiment, alongside discussions about expression and modelling techniques.
By the end of the course, you will have completed a standing animal sculpture, with the potential of a few animal head maquettes, produced using all the techniques demonstrated and experienced during the course.
After the course, you may leave your work at the College for biscuit firing to collect at a later date. Should you wish to decorate your animal yourself in a painterly way, you will need to book a place on an an Underglaze Day suitable for ceramic animals/sculptural work Otherwise, work is left unglazed after a biscuit firing. Alternatively, you may take your work away for firing, and/or under-glazing elsewhere.
On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including clay, most tools and firing equipment.
Available from shop: Craft knife and art materials
Firing and Glazing Options:
1. Leave any raw, finished pieces that you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, at the College, for collection within six months.
2. Leave raw, finished pieces for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Underglazing Day and glaze/decorate your own work (allowing at least 4 weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months.
3. Take away your unfired sculpture for firing and glazing elsewhere.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). There may be restrictions on equipment available to students in tutors 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
My work is primarily a celebration of the animal. Taking inspiration from many sources, my work is equally about the material, the method of construction and the quality of a surface. Recent themes have been exploring reminiscence and sentiment...
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.
