Introduction to Sculpture

COURSE CODE: EC2402003

COURSE DATES: Wednesdays, 22nd January – 26th March 2025

TUTOR: Farnoush Amini MRSS

DAYS: 10

TIMES: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, Beginner

FEE: £375

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL

Explore a variety of sculptural techniques and materials in this immersive introduction to sculpture. Perfect for beginners and those wanting to expand their knowledge of the medium, this course will provide foundational skills and time to complete a personal project in a well-equipped studio. This is an excellent opportunity to learn techniques for capturing gesture and refining proportion when working from a life model, with guidance from an experienced tutor. Throughout the course, you will explore:

  • Gesture, planes, and anatomical landmarks when sculpting the figure
  • Comparative measurement and observational techniques
  • Small-scale quick studies
  • How to approach a variety of viewpoints in portraiture
  • Using plaster to create cast reliefs
  • Constructing three-dimensional forms in wire

You will gain hands-on experience and expand your knowledge on a variety of different materials, develop your skills in portrait sculpture, and build confidence in transforming ideas into sculptural forms.

After completing Introduction to Sculpture, you may be interested in one of our specialised courses such as Figure & Portrait Sculpture, or Artistic Anatomy for Sculptors.

Recommend booking by: January 8, 2025

Beginner

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Students spend time learning the very basics of the taught medium, for example, how to mix colours, use different tools, set up an easel. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience, they tend to follow a more structured path than our other courses, ensuring each student receives the guidance they need from the tutor.

Please bring old clothes as you may get messy

Most equipment and materials are provided but depending on your chosen creative approach in the latter part of the course, you may need to source some materials yourself, also bring your own sketchbook if you have one.

If you work in clay without an armature, you will be offered the opportunity to have your clay pieces fired. Hollowing is necessary before a piece can be fired. This is optional and additional hollowing and firing costs will apply.

Hollowing Fees

£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure

Firing Fees

£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure

If you are using metal wire there may be an additional charge. The cost will depend on the amount of wire used.

The Hollowing and Firing process takes at least 6-8 weeks.  Make sure that you take a photograph of your work for identification. You will be informed by email when your sculpture is ready to be picked up.

FARNOUSH AMINI MRSS

Farnoush is an Iranian artist who lives and works in London. She graduated from the Art Academy London in 2019. She aims to question the divisions created by religion, politics and cultural differences.

Exploring material language, their connection or disconnection to her chosen subject are her main focus. She extensively researches her ideas through documentary footage, articles and photos.

She extracts the most relevant material, symbol or gesture from her chosen subject in order to communicate a hidden message.

Sculpture, installation and performance arts are her way of self expression. She explores material such as concrete, fabric, metal, clay, human hair or ready made objects. By placing familiar objects in an unfamiliar form or space she overwhelms the viewer with a sense of entrapment or unease.

Her works have been exhibited internationally. She is a twice winner of Sheros Revoluciones in 2019/2020 and People’s Choice Award in 2019 by Passion For Freedom Art Festival. She was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2020.

She was invited to be a part of the Political Art exhibition at U-Jazdowski Museum of Contemporary Arts in Warsaw, Poland in 2021-2022. 

Her work has been selected to be part of the collection at Thirsk Hall Sculpture Gardens in North Yorkshire from 2023 to 2024.

She was invited to exhibit at the ING Discerning Eye 2023 at the Mall gallery, London.

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

 

Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.

Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.
  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course
  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.
  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.
  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.
  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.
  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

£375.00

Intro to Clay Sculpture