Introduction to papier mâché
- Course Code: VU115
- Dates: 19/04/24 - 24/05/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ro Sylvester
Course Code: VU115
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Note: Course starts today, check start time
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Learn about the properties of Paper Mache and its many uses. Look at how the medium has played its part in history and in contemporary art. Learn different techniques and finishing methods.
What will we cover?
- The use of Paper Mache in historical and contemporary art.
- How to use the medium for both relief and 3D outcomes.
- How to finish and render the medium to emulate other materials.
- How to use other materials that compliment Paper Mache.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Model in clay, Modroc and chicken wire.
- Create a positive and negative mould.
- Work confidently with different Paper Mache techniques.
- Apply a variety of finishes to the medium.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is ideal for beginners. If you are new to working with 3D or have never used Paper Mache as a medium in your 3D work, this could be a helpful addition to your existing skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
It is recommended that you sign up to Google Classroom (you will receive information about this when you enrol), as this is a useful tool for extension work and resources. It is also a useful platform for submitting images of work and getting personalised feedback. Work outside of the class could include personal research.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All essential materials will be provided - Newspaper, newsprint, wallpaper paste, chicken wire, clay and Modroc, paints and varnish. If you wish to use specialist finishes or add specialist materials to your pieces you may have to provide these yourself.
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.
We also recommend that you bring a sketchbook/notebook and pencils to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The course will give you a good foundation to move onto courses such as prop-making and model making, however students have also gone on to Foundation Art & Design courses and more focussed sculpting courses.
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, 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.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
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.
