Ref: S1D37487
Cuttlebones are the internal bone structure of the cuttlefish (sepia officinalis). These internal bone structures are porous and made of aragonite, and act as the sophisticated buoyancy device of the cuttlefish. Their material properties enable them to be both carved easily, and yet also capable of holding moulten metal. You often find them washed up along the shoreline of the sea, and, historically, fisherfolk cast their weights using the cuttlebones as moulds.
On this course, you will:
By the end of the course, you will have a finished cast in pewter made from the cuttlefish mould.
On this course the tutor will supply cuttlebones collected along the south coast of the UK. On this course the College will supply lead free pewter.
Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials are available to purchase from the shop, should you be interested.
Please note: Your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. You should arrive by 9am for registration at the Main House, to ensure you can walk/be directed over to the Sculpture Courtyard at 9.05am for a 9.15am start. Classes are from 9.15am - 5pm. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side, so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals). Safety boots if possible.
Safety equipment such as gloves, eye protection and face masks are supplied by the College and can be borrowed.
Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Abigail Burt is a Royal College of Art Sculpture MA 2020 graduate. Her artist practice considers our connection with our environment, with an emphasis on ecological awareness and public participation. In 2019 she founded Kinstinct Arts, an arts and ecology platform, from which she is currently running the project Lost-Wax for Lost-Species.
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