Where to start with Sculpture

Old Ben

Hi all,

I have a fascination with sculpture for a good few years now. I suddenly have a bit of time on my hands thanks to the recession and I would really like to learn how to do it. Every YouTube video I look at really gives me the buzz to learn properly and the Nationwide program a few months ago about it really inspired me as it was the first time I got a sculptors perspective.

If you know what I mean, I understand that I probably won't be a great artist but there are a few "images" in my mind that I would like to transform into something solid. I just haven't a clue where to start and Art college is something that I can not consider at this stage.

Thank you.
Ben.

kylith

Have a look for night courses in local colleges online. There are plenty of nicht courses for various arts. I took a pottery one a few years back, so I'm sure that there'll be one for sculpture somewhere.

grumpygrizzly

Start with whatever media you prefer whether it be stone, wood, granite....


and cut away everything that isn't part of the image you have in your mind..


Sorry, had to do that..

I've been looking for wood carvers since I came over here for work about 4 months ago and I really haven't found any. I have all my knives and tools, I was just hoping to find a group that gets together to carve..

Good luck with your hunt..

ThOnda

I am about to pay for woodcarving introductory course in Leitrim Sculpture Centre. I just want to learn and try basics. And I hope to try possibly stone work next year. Check their courses, you might be interested.
Notification - I don't have any relation with that page or organisation, only like what they do and what they offer.

Avatarr

Hi, you definitely sound like you have the bug which is important. Sketch your ideas from every angle, if you have not already done so. Choose your medium and have a go. Think about it as a leanering experience and enjoy the process. When you eventually find a class you will have a host of questions which will mean you will get the most from it.

Are you thinking about stone, wood e.t.c??

artieanna

To do wood or stone work without some guidance is tricky and hard work, you also need tools, so I would recommend a course or even a good book.

As someone whos just starting out think about what materials would suit the object you want to create. For example you can use wire, plaster of paris, papier mache, clay which could be cast in bronze (pricy) or fired or plaster.

oldfart

I would love to know more about it, master it..but its hard to find the time to start

kadman

If you chose to use wood as a medium for your carving or sculpting. One or two things will make the process a lot easier for you.

1. Choice of wood.
2. Sharpness of tools.

The best wood for a novice to use, is woodcarvers lime. It is very forgiving in its ability to be cut in all directions relative to its grain pattern. Oak or mahogany require more skill than lime at the outset.

Extremely sharp tools, are the key to successful carving. The best woodcarvers on the planet, can do nothing with blunt tools. So spend a little time researching the sharpening methods of the various chisels. Its not rocket science.

And plenty of practice on scrap material, to discover the cutting results of the various chisels. Self taught in woodcarving is definitely achieveable, I am.

kadman

Old Ben

Thank you all for your replies.

I think I will need to do a course alright so I will keep that hunt going.

I always had my thoughts with stone working and never really thought about wood carving.

Thank you ArtieAnna for that perspective on materials... working with clay for a bronze finish sounds intriguing indeed.

But I will check out courses as my first step. I feel like I need to sit down and talk to someone, follow their techniques, etc. Youtube is only giving me so much...



Thank you all again.

ThOnda

The eagerly awaited woodcarving workshop got canceled due to the lack of interest. Darn.
Is there anybody else, preferably in Dublin greater area, who offers similar courses? Or work experience, to learn the basics? This would have to be outside standard business hours though, if we are talking about longer period of time.

Chorcai

ThOnda wrote: »

The eagerly awaited woodcarving workshop got canceled due to the lack of interest. Darn.
Is there anybody else, preferably in Dublin greater area, who offers similar courses? Or work experience, to learn the basics? This would have to be outside standard business hours though, if we are talking about longer period of time.

Keep an eye on the VAI website, http://visualartists.ie/category/jobs-ops/courses/ there are courses posted on it regularly