Ref: SWE32774
For thousands of years humans have been creating vessels out of bronze for many purposes from ceremonial basins containing sacred objects to practical receptacles for food and drink. From the first smelting of copper and tin, bronze has been used as a medium for human expression through form and mark-making.
During this introductory level course, you will learn the basic processes involved in creating a bronze bowl form, using carving techniques. Please come with your ideas and inspirations for your piece. No experience in sculpture is necessary.
You will design a bowl focusing on the use of positive and negative space and how linear form is translated into three-dimensions. After preparing your mould, you can then see the fiery spectacle of metal casting as the moulds are filled with liquid metal. You will then learn the basics of fettling (cleaning and finishing) using basic metalworking tools as well as patination.
Overview:
Day 1
Morning
Welcome and discussion about design, drawing, undercuts and other technical considerations. You will sketch potential designs and learn techniques for carving into your sand blocks to prepare your mould for casting.
Afternoon
You will carve your mould.
Cure surface of the mould with fire, close, cup and secure mould for casting.
Evening
Light furnace and cast pieces!
Day 2
Morning
Open mould, clean and fettle work, discussions about best practices for finishing work.
Demonstration of patination, the colouring and treatment of the surface of metal.
Afternoon
You will patinate your piece.
Demonstration of polishing and waxing of bronze works.
The aim is that you will complete a bronze bowl to a professional standard by the end of the course.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Stephen Coles studied at Carmarthen School of the Arts, before completing a master’s degree in sculpture at Alfred University, New York. After teaching there, he returned to the UK to begin his own foundry practice. In addition to teaching at institutions throughout the UK and Europe, Stephen works with artists, museums and conservationists creating bespoke works in metal.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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