The Figure - Wax, Wire, Plaster and Found Objects

You will be working with a life model to create a figure or figures using a variety of materials, including traditional modelling wax – a time honoured material which allows for both detail and accuracy, as well as expression – plaster bandage, masking tape, new clay and found objects. These materials can be used as a form of vocabulary which can be mixed and matched to make both accurately observed sculptures and/or more expressive figures.

A key part of this course will be learning to make simple but effective armatures (under frames for sculptures) out of aluminium wire. These don’t require welding. These armatures can be accurate enough for small figures and can also be scaled up or used with other materials once mastered - a really ‘transferable’ skill to take home with you.

You can choose whether to use the model for an observed study or simply as a starting point for something more expressive, as they will move between various poses so that there is a choice as to the mood and theme of the work you create. You will start with simple three-dimensional sketches in wire and the various materials to familiarise yourselves with them, and then move towards a more considered study or expressive piece as the course progresses.

Your tutor will encourage individual expression in your sculpture making as well as demonstrating techniques, giving group tuition and one-to-one support.

By the end of the course, you will have a completed figure or figures with an armature and learnt many transferable skills for making sculptures using wax, wire, plaster and found objects.