Introduction to Sculpture (10 credit points)

Special Information

Essential materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Sketchbook / journal, pencil
• Examples of any materials / objects that interest you

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:

• A limited supply of card, plaster, wire and clay and other materials used for 3d construction
• Access to basic tools for making small sculptures in a range of media
• Sharp knife / scissors
• PVA glue

Essentials Materials and equipment students will need to provide themselves:

• Sketchbooks
• A choice of scrap and recyclable materials (papers, small objects, plastics, wood, textiles, buttons, beads, etc.)
• Other adhesives and tape such as super glue, masking tape, gaffer tape
• Other materials used for 3d construction as required.
• Protective clothing
• Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:
• A digital camera/Smartphone

Content of Course

The course will cover:
Introduction and overview of sculpture practice set mainly within the European and North American canon of the 20th and 21st Centuries.
Introduction to a range of primary materials and basic sculpture making techniques including constructing in 3D with card, clay and plaster.
Experimental making and improvisation.
Assemblage and appropriation; working with found, ready-made and appropriated materials and objects.
Critical reflection on makers motivation; the 'why?' and 'how?' of the creative process.
Examine context in relation to making; artist's personal identity and experience, time, place, purpose and narrative.
Examine context in relation to exhibiting; permanent or temporary, indoors/outdoors, gallery/civic space/wilderness, sustainability.
Develop and demonstrate a personal research focus, theme or direction.
Create an individual sculpture or series of sculptures, maquettes, proposals or experimental works.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an enquiring and experimental approach with a range of ideas, through exploring visual concepts and materials supported by contextual research and references.
2. Demonstrate a practical competency and curiosity for exploring materials, techniques and making methods to communicate personal ideas.
3. Select, edit and present a range of resolved and coherent sculptural forms that show an informed and individual response to the research and reflection.

Sources

Core Readings

COLLINS, J. 2007, Sculpture Today. Phaidon
DUBY, G and DAVAL, J. (Eds) 2013, Sculpture: From Antiquity to the Present Day. Taschen
PALMEDO, P. F. 2015, Experience of Modern Sculpture, Schiffer
WOOD, J. HULKS, D. and POTTS, A. (Eds) 2012, Modern Sculpture Reader, Getty

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.