Experimental sculpture in plaster and clay
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: KS - Keeley Street
This course takes place in the classroom, please follow this link to find out what we are doing to keep you safe: Staying COVID-19 secure at City Lit
Course Code: VU907
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is designed to challenge you to explore and extend the possibilities of modelling in clay and plaster. Taking inspiration from modern and contemporary sculpture, work directly from a life model and then from your imagination.
What will we cover?
We will focus on ways of abstracting from the figure by studying the model and developing an interpretation through a series of drawings and small 3 D sketches. We will explore sculptural aspects of the pose through drawing by taking away some traditional elements and then re-building it based on your own observations and drawings to create a small scale personal sculpture. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and analysis of your work.
We will look at examples of other artist’s work who are exploring the subject.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Make drawings from the figure
• Make at least 2 small sculptures in clay and/or plaster
• Progress your modelling skills in clay and plaster
• Explore creative thinking based on the human form
• Develop a new interpretation of the figure.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All abilities welcome from beginners to advanced.
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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through tutor demonstration and practical activities and you will be helped individually as required. There will be opportunities for whole group discussion. Handouts will accompany demonstrations. The course is structured to manage the work within the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All material provided.
Stout shoes should be worn in the Sculpture studio at all times.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The sculpture department offers a programme of courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced as well as learn a range of techniques. For example, you may like to progress onto VU841 the City Sculpture course that helps you to build an individual sculpture practice or join a short course specialising in a particular approach or skill such as Prop making or Carving in wood or stone. Please ask your tutor for advice.
Valerie Merlo is a sculptor, who specialises in bronze casting. She has an MA in sculpture from the Royal College of Art and teaches at City Lit alongside her art practice. She has a strong interest in drawing, which she uses when working towards her sculpture, which she makes from her studio at ASC studios. Valerie is a very experienced tutor whose personal approach to sculpture feeds into her teaching, by encouraging students to explore the creative boundary between drawing and sculpture. Her focus is on supporting students to develop individual projects from direct observation of the figure, their imagination, exploring and experimenting with materials and from research into the work of other artists; both contemporary and historical art. javascript:WebForm_DoPostBackWithOptions(new WebForm_PostBackOptions("ctl00$ctl00$SystemContentPane$ContentPlaceHolderWorkflowActions$LinkButtonFormSubmitted", "", true, "", "", false, true))
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.
