Exploring sculpture
- Course Code: VU104
- Dates: 21/10/24 - 04/11/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ro Sylvester
Course Code: VU104
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We will explore; sculpting in small scale, casting and replicating, sculpting in medium to large scale, finishes for final pieces. Contextual information about sculpture will be available on Google Classroom alongside some technical videos.
What will we cover?
- Small scale modelling in a variety of modelling materials.
- Casting using rubber and plaster moulds.
- Medium to large modelling in lightweight materials.
- Finishing techniques.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Model in clay, Sculpey, Air Dough, styrofoam and paper mache.
- Cast in rubber, plaster and Alginate.
- Use paint finishes to enhance your work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for beginners and refreshers, so no previous experience is required. At the end of the course however, you should be able to join a specialist course in one of the techniques explored.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will involve practical demonstrations and videos, followed by interactive practical work. Assessment will be ongoing with constructive feedback every session. Google Classroom will provide you with extension tasks and contextual reference. You will be invited to use your own visual research, but many resources will be provided.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All materials will be available, unless you have a specific requirement.
You must wear sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot (no open toe). Please also wear old working clothes or bring overalls.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you to build your own individual sculpture practice.
We are constantly adding new courses. Please ask your tutor for advice or browse the City Lit website for inspiration. It is also possible to contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk, or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.