Wire art is essentially a line drawing in three-dimensional space, but you don’t need to be “good at drawing” to create effective pieces. The beauty of working in wire is the interplay of light and shadow which brings them to life, even in the simplest of forms. As with other art forms, work can be abstract, representational or decorative and the making process can be very therapeutic.

This course will cover the basics of how to manipulate wire into two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.

Using various pliers, you will be taken through a series of exercises, experimenting with different techniques enabling you to master tools and gain confidence in working with wire. You will create a range of nature inspired forms on stems, suitable for mounting on a wooden block or to be displayed in a small vase.

The tutor will demonstrate techniques and provide individual support (as time permits) to enable you to make progress and see the potential for interpreting your own ideas beyond the course.

This course is suitable for beginners with no wirework experience, but ideally those who have some making experience.

Please note, if you have any hand health issues, working with pliers can be a little tiring on the hands, so please consider this before booking.

You will take home a range of samples which may combine to form an artwork in themselves.

All tools and materials will be provided for the day.

Please bring a shoebox or similar container to protect your work when transporting it home.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all the materials, including:

• Wire
• A4 paper
• Wooden blocks
• Mini glass vases
• Tissue paper
• Hand wipes

What students need to bring

An empty shoebox, cake tin or similar container to protect and transport fragile items you’ve made.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions