Sculpture: inspired by Barbara Hepworth

What is the course about?

Explore the life and work of Barbara Hepworth. Her modernist sculpture was heavily influenced by the natural landscape and environmental forms. From St. Ives to Greece, she was inspired by the shapes and intrinsic characteristics of coastal lines and organic structures. We will use some of the raw materials she worked with, and look at the visionary way she made the inside of many of her sculptures as prominent as the outside.

What will we cover?

We will cover some of her preparatory practice - Her research and the development of her initial ideas through maquettes using either plaster, soap or board; before she embarked on creating her monumental sculptures.

You will learn:
- How to research sculpture using the internet, library, nature, and Barbara Hepworth’s practice for inspiration.
- How to develop your initial ideas through a series of sketches and notes.
- How to interpret your sketches through a series of maquettes.
- Understand scale and proportion.

The sculpture materials and techniques you will use:
- How to cut and construct a simple wire armature and sculpt with Modroc.
- How to mix and apply plaster in a sculptural way.
- How to cut and construct a simple forms using Kraft Board.
- How to carve soap.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Have a basic understanding of the influences and sculptural practice of Barbara Hepworth.
- Make preparatory observational drawings to develop into sculpture.
- Demonstrate different measuring techniques, for proportion and scale.
- Make a basic armature for plaster sculpture.
- Demonstrate mixing and apply plaster to create a small abstract sculpture.
- Work independently and make aesthetic judgements to develop a self-expressed finished artwork.
- Work safely with the materials, equipment and procedures of the subject.

In addition, the more experienced student, will be encouraged to experiment with the material, surface and working methods, to further advance skills and individual expression.

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

All levels welcome, although some knowledge in 3D and construction is helpful.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be group demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.

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

All essential materials and equipment will be provided and are included in the course fee.

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 bring a sketchbook/notebook and pencils to sketch and make notes, and a camera to photograph your work.

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 courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! You may then 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.