Ref: SWE40630
From creating light, to preserving food, wax in all its forms has proved a very useful material for humans since ancient times. Perhaps one of its most sublime uses is in its transformation into metal during the lost-wax process. From public art on a heroic scale to intimate objects for the home, all began with this humble material.
Learn the techniques and processes for creating wax sculptures for metal casting, including creating hollow waxes, spruing, finishing techniques and surface preparation.
Overview
First evening - Introduction
Day 1
Morning
Welcome and discussion about design, form, undercuts and other technical considerations. You will sketch potential designs and learn techniques for carving into your waxes, as well as modelling wax.
Afternoon
Demonstration on best practice when painting up wax from a silicon rubber mould for casting. If you have a mould, you will be able to paint a wax copy. If you do not have a mould, you will be able to paint a wax from a mould from our foundry stock.
Day 2
Morning
The moulds will be opened and waxes removed, ready for cleaning. There will be discussion about the previous days waxes and the best methods to prepare wax for spruing. There will be a wax spruing demonstration, and the wax sculpture will be attached to a running system, ready for casting in metal.
Afternoon You will sprue your cleaned waxes, ready for casting.
By the end of the course, you will complete a wax sculpture to a professional standard, ready for casting in metal.
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including some green casting wax and microcrystalline wax per student.
On this course the College will supply some of the materials including 2 paint brushes per student, and some white spirit, sandpaper and corn oil to share amongst the group.
An apron
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials are available to purchase from the college shop.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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
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.
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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