Experimental sculpture in plaster and clay

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, and then from your imagination.

What will we cover?

You will focus on ways of developing ideas through drawing and small 3D sketches. You will explore sculptural aspects of your drawings to create 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 your ideas.
- Make at least two small sculptures in clay and/or plaster.
- Progress your modelling skills in clay and plaster.

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. You 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 asrequired. 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?

Materials and Equipment

General tools and materials are provided and included in the course fee.

Depending on your project ambitions, you may decide—following discussion with your tutor—that you'd like to purchase additional materials to expand your work. Tutors can offer advice on suitable materials and reliable suppliers.

Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for drawing and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is also useful for documenting your work as it progresses.

What to Wear

For safety reasons, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (no sandals or open-toed footwear). Old clothes or overalls are strongly recommended, as some materials may stain or damage clothing.

Health and Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn when required. This includes items such as facemasks, which are necessary when working with materials that may release airborne particles.

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 build your individual sculpture practice.

Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm. 

The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00