Sculpture: inspired by Giacometti
Course Code: VU750
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Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
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What is the course about?
You will look at the materials and techniques used by Giacometti and learn about his life and work. You will construct a sculpture using different types of plaster, materials and finishing effects.
What will we cover?
There will be an overview of Giacometti life and times. You will be shown how to build an armature, look at scale and form, use tools safely, use plaster as a direct sculpting medium with sculpting techniques and materials to achieve a bronze effect.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Build a suitable armature.
- Plan and design a ‘Giacometti’ sculpture.
- Identify sculptural techniques and use plaster to create a sculpture.
- Produce your own version of a Giacometti sculpture.
- Understand how to use materials to create a bronze finish.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for all levels of ability. It will suit beginner and those with an interest in sculpture and wishing to learn basic armature, building and sculpture techniques.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstrations, practical hands-on activities, research, group and individual tuition.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other costs or materials needed.
Plaster is potentially messy and cannot be washed out of clothes so you need to wear something appropriate. You must wear flat sturdy shoes with a closed toe.
A camera is always good to record the stages in 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, 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.
Martin Hanson has had over 40 year’s experience working with sculpture and sculptors, moulding and casting. Originally he worked in a bronze foundry casting large and small scale sculpture. He then worked for Madame Tussauds studios for over 25 years, producing wax figures for Tussauds exhibitions worldwide. Martin now, not only works as a sculpture tutor at City Lit, but also as a Specialist Technician at Wimbledon College of Art, working with students on the Technical Arts course. Martin continues his own creative practice alongside his teaching, specialising in moulding and casting work in wax, silicone, Jesmonite, plaster and resin for a variety of clients.
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.