Willow sculpture on a small scale: working with natural materials

Interested in making non-traditional forms with willow, vines, soft plants and found materials? Learn traditional techniques to develop small scale work of your choice. All levels welcome. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
24/02/12 - 30/03/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £204
Senior fee: £143

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VC172

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is for those interested in making non-traditional forms with willow, combining it with vines, soft grass-like materials and other plants from the garden as available, or using it alone. Traditional techniques will be taught and, after talking with the tutor, you will then use these to design and make a unique willow piece.

What topics will we cover?

You will explore traditional ancient willow techniques: pairing, fitching, scalloming and others to gain experience in the use of the material. A variety of forms will be worked: round, square, cone and irregular. Ways of using grass and soft plant materials will be explored. The course will end with the completion of a piece of your own choice, the form and structure having been developed after discussion with the group and the tutor.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Beginners:
- Know more about willow and how to work with it
- Be able to make structures, both flat and three dimensional, with willow and other plant materials
- Make rope and use it for construction
- Plan and make a sculptural piece after discussion with the tutor

Improvers and more experienced students:
- Demonstrate extended skills in working with willow
- Be able to make structures, both flat and three dimensional, with willow and other plant materials
- Make rope and use it for construction
- Research, plan and develop a sculptural piece demonstrating more advanced willow skills.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for all levels, beginners, improvers and those with experience.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, read hand-outs for health and safety information and instructions, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers for simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by demonstration, by looking at work form Britain and abroad, by discussion with the group, by individual discussion with the tutor, and by self assessment. Books will be brought to give ideas and inspiration.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic materials will be provided. These may be supplemented with found materials after the first session. Basic tools will be available but secateurs, a good penknife, a hammer, and a few clothes pegs will be useful but
should not be bought specially.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a variety of short courses in basketry, textiles and sculpture and related areas at City Lit. There is also a City & Guilds course for those who would like to go further.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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