Metal sculpture: all levels
Course Code: VU103
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
A course dealing with the techniques of metal fabrication for creatives. Covering basic tools and processes, such as; welding, cutting and bending metals. You will have the opportunity to try many processes and make a small scale object to take away.
What will we cover?
- A brief look at the work of artists and designers who use fabricated metals in their work.
- Practical demonstrations of a selection of processes.
- How the processes can be used to create a piece of work appropriate to your interests.
- Health and safety issues and an induction into the correct use of equipment.
- Preparation of a design, and construction of a maquette to be used as a pattern for the final piece.
- Production of the finished piece of work, and methods of display.
- Review of the work and processes used through discussion.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use different techniques such as cutting, bending, forming, drilling, bolting and riveting.
- Make work using a welding or soldering process.
- Work safely, following the correct health and safety procedures.
- Design and construct a metal-based object or sculpture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for beginners, as well as those with some experience who have an interest in design or working sculpturally in metal.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstrations, practical work, technical notes, and instruction as a member of a group or individually,as appropriate to the session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
General tools and equipment will be supplied. Most of the cost of the steel for sampling and experimentation will be covered by the course fee. If you want to make a large item, you will have to purchase or supply the metal. You might want to incorporate found ferrous metal objects into your work.
A sketchbook and drawing materials would be useful.
You must wear flat sturdy shoes with a closed toe. Please also wear old working clothes that you do not mind getting messy or bring overalls.
Please be advised - Being near the plasma cutter while it is in use can be dangerous to anyone with pacemaker. If you have a pacemaker, for your own safety, it is not possible to enrol on this particular course.
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 course in a material or process you have tried before to develop your skills further, or try something completely different. We offer object to take away. courses in prop making, metal, clay, wax, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting in Jesmonite, and much more! 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.
Andrew's practice extends across sculpture, drawing and printmaking, working with a diversity of materials and processes. He graduated from Cheltenham Art College in 1989, receiving his first public sculpture commission in his final year and subsequently developed a professional career including several public and museum based artworks, residencies and commissions. Later diversifying into product design, modelmaking and theatre/tv equiped him with a comprehensive skill base in making and 3d problem solving. Since establishing his studio practice in West London Andrew has concentrated on sculpture and bespoke design in metal merging modernist Euoropean and Japanese influences, whilst maintaining a commitment to advancing the practice of sculpture as an educator within the sculpture community. He is represented by NoonPowell Fine Art and examples of his wider practice can be on Axisweb.
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.