Metal Casting Sculpture course London: City Lit

Casting sculpture in metal

Low melt alloys can be used to make many objects. Create a small sculpture in clay and then make a two-piece mould with an easy-to-use, heat resistant silicone rubber. You will then cast your sculpture into low melt lead-free pewter using your silicone mould. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
15/01/12 - 25/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
5 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £239^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VU827

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

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?

Learn how to make a mould that is suitable for creating repeated casts in low-melt metal alloys. Then learn how to melt and pour the metal safely. Low-melt, lead-free pewter, which is an attractive silver colour, will be used on this course. Silicon rubber is used to make the mould, giving very good surface detail. The facilities required for this process are relatively low tech, making this a viable option for casting small metal sculptures or jewellery in your own studio.

What topics will we cover?

You will model your sculpture in clay learning how to adapt your design for casting, such as, avoiding undercuts, trapped air and the implications of your design in terms of the difficulty of the mould-making process. You will then learn how to make a mould for this sculpture, using a type of silicon rubber suitable for casting low-melt metal. The mould will be encased in a plaster jacket for structural support. You will then learn how to melt low-melt metal and pour this into your mould to create a sculpture or piece of jewellery in pewter.

In addition to taking home your pewter sculpture, you will also keep the mould, which can be used many more times.

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

- create a sculpture or piece of jewellery in clay that is suitable for casting
- create a multi-piece silicon rubber mould
- cast small objects into low melt alloys
- know where to buy the materials used in this process.

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

This course is suitable for beginners as well as those who have experience in jewellery and sculpture making.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able tomake basic 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?

Through demonstrations, practical activities and individual tuition. This course will focus on providing you with the confidence to produce metal objects independently and you will handle materials throughout.

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

City Lit will provide all basic materials including pewter, clay and silicone rubber.

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?

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.

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Visual arts