Celebrating this year’s theme ‘fantasy and myth’, you will create an original candlestick inspired by the imagery and symbolism of the surrealists. Drawing on the rich history and lore of the famed artist movement that influenced the birth of West Dean, you will be invited to use techniques such as collage, assemblage, juxtaposition and modelling to make a unique candlestick, which will then be cast in bronze using the lost wax process.

You will also make custom candles to fit their candlesticks using time honoured methods. These unique and personal candlesticks will then be showcased in all their illuminated glory at the final celebration dinner.

Expect a playful, inclusive approach with the aim that both experienced and beginner makers will find something new to learn, whilst being able to successfully produce a professional level candlestick and candle. This workshop will take your ideas, symbols and inspiration and transform it into a bronze candlestick that can grace your table for years to come.

We will celebrate wax in all its manifestations, from its utilitarian roots as ancient source of light to its lofty role in the making of sculpture throughout the ages. You will learn about the lost wax bronze casting process and will work through the process with the tutor from creating their piece in wax to spruing and investing in, before watching their creations be cast in bronze. Your tutor will then walk you through the exciting process of finishing your works including chasing, finishing and patination. This course is suitable for all levels.

Friday
First teaching session, attendance is essential Introduction to techniques and ideas, as well as workshop guidelines and H&S

Saturday
Morning - Wax Modelling Afternoon - Wax Modelling and spruing of candlesticks Evening working – students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor’s permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed. Tutor to begin investing waxes in ceramic shell (optional demonstration)

Sunday
Candle making demonstration and candle making Continue Ceramic Shell cycle to be completed by end of day

Monday Bronze Casting Day
Morning - De-waxing ceramic shells and bronze casting demonstration (casting cooling over lunch) Afternoon - De-moulding bronze castings, finishing demonstration Evening working – students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor’s permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Tuesday
Morning - Metalwork and finishing (to be completed by lunch time) Afternoon - Creative taster session Creative Waxworking: Assemblage and Modeling Free time or house tour

Wednesday
Morning - Patination Demonstration and workshop Afternoon - Finish patina work and candles ahead of celebration dinner From 6.15pm drinks on the lawn Procession of illuminated candlesticks for Celebration Dinner

Last day (Thursday)
Continue any last patination or finishing of pieces and complete any other waxwork for additional candlesticks to be cast later if desired.

Learn how to build a half life-size figure in plaster. The key skill here is building a stable armature using aluminium armature wire, no welding will be required. You will learn about bulking the figure out with lightweight materials in preparation for a final layer of plaster. You will also learn how to mix plaster, use scrim and develop both modelling and textural finishes.

Starting with making small models using armature wire and black modelling wax to give you the opportunity to practice armature building before approaching the main project of a half life-size figure. You will experience using wax, which is an exptremely useful studio ‘tool’ for maquettes and life studies.

The course will stress observational skills, taking maximum advantage of the presence of an experienced female life model throughout the course. Towards the end of the course, there will be an opportunity to deviate away from strict observation towards expressive ideas, for those who wish to do so.

By the end of the course, you will have gained many skills including observational skills, armature building with wire, working with wax, plaster, scrim and finishes. You will have produced a couple of small figures, most proably one in wax and one in plaster, in addition to your main figure.

Summer School Highlights The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (discounted if pre-booked through West Dean)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘Fantasy and Myth’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including:

• Wax
• Investment moulding materials and sundries
• Candlemaking materials and sundries

What students need to bring

Ideas, drawings and stout footwear

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. Students must have steel toe cap boots and overalls for this course. Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.  

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.  
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.  
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.

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