Sculpture: abstracting the figure

Investigate, using the life model, non-literal representations of the human figure. Firstly, use clay to investigate the methods, styles and objectives of abstraction and then, using plaster, develop your ideas to realise a finished piece.

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Key course information

Dates
01/12/11 - 15/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
3 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £97
Senior fee: £97
Concession: £53

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VU851

Availability
This course has finished

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?

The course is an investigation of non-literal representations of the human figure; thus it is about abstraction, expressive distortion, analysis and other ways in which artists have made sculptures of the human figure that are more than copies of reality.

What topics will we cover?

Week 1
We will start the first week with a slide show looking at how artists have abstracted and modified the figure and consider their objectives. You will then write out a short statement on how you intend to go about modelling a sculpture e.g. “simplification to geometric shapes” or “using the shapes found in contemporary buildings” or “in the style of Mesoamerican ceramics” or “in the style of such or such an artist” or “using only square slabs of clay”. You will then make a sculpture, in clay, using the life model as a basis for your work but following your stated intentions. If you are a fast worker you may be able to repeat this process more than once in the evening. This experimental work will not be kept but you can photograph or sketch it.

We will finish the evening by looking at everyone’s work alongside their original statements and considering the range of different forms created.

Weeks 2 and 3
We will again ground the work using the model in a pose agreed at the end of week 1. You will have spent some time since then considering all that the class has covered, and the participants made, and the method and style of abstraction that you will use given your objectives in making your final piece.

Week 2 will start with a demonstration of the use and potential of plaster as a direct modelling material.

The final piece will be made in plaster over weeks two and three. We will be using plaster bandage as the basic material but other things can be incorporated into your work both to give it structure and to add form e.g. cardboard, wooden splints, found objects, natural materials. The surface of the basic form can be built up and modified with plaster.

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

· Adopt ways of thinking about the process of making non-representative figure sculpture
· Make a clay study abstracting from the figure
· Abstract from the figure to make a piece in plaster perhaps incorporating other materials
· Understand the health and safety aspects of using the materials and techniques covered on the course.

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

Beginners and people with experience are equally welcome.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do 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 as a whole group, in an encouraging environment, with one to one advice.

This is a course where work outside the studio will be crucial to the participants gaining the most from the course. You need to start to look at sculptures on the web or, even better, in real life and to think about the objectives and abstraction techniques of the artists. You will be expected to come to the course having some idea of the abstraction method that you will use in week 1 i.e. what you will state as your intended technique.

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

There are no other costs. A camera would be helpful for documenting the work.

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.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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