What is the course about?
This course will teach you all the basic skills for mould making and casting your sculptures. You will be guided in making plaster and rubber moulds, and then casting from them in plaster of Paris and cement. You will also be given suppliers' details to support you in your future artwork.
What will we cover?
- Plaster casting.
- The design and production of rubber moulds.
- Selecting materials to cast in.
- Casting with Jesmonite and how to prepare a plaster mould for cement casting.
- Experimenting with different finishes of a cast.
- Group crit of everyone's work.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the principals of mould making.
- Produce a cast from a mould.
- Demonstrate experience of different materials used for mould making and casting.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All levels welcome; no previous skills necessary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Following an initial short PowerPoint presentation on the various types of moulds you will be making on the course, the main teaching methods will be teacher-led demonstrations and individual student participation. You will have time to gain experience by producing your own moulds and casts under the supervision of the teacher.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All objects and materials for mould making and casting will be supplied. Students may bring their own objects but the decision to use them in the moulding process will be at the discretion of the tutor.
Stout footwear should be worn at all times in the sculpture studio.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a whole selection of courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and master a range of techniques. You may like to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course which helps you to build your own individual sculpture practice, or sign up to a short course specialising in a particular approach or skill - we offer everything from working in wire or plaster, carving in wood or stone through to wax carving for the foundry; cast your sculpture in bronze to prop making for film theatre and display. Ask your tutor for advice or browse the City Lit website or prospectus for inspiration.
