Sustainable Sculpture

COURSE CODE: E2503S0015

COURSE DATES: Thursdays, 23rd April – 11th June 2026

TUTOR: Briony Marshall MRSS, Henny Burnett, Shane Waltner, Tim Norris

DAYS: 8

TIMES: 10:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, All Levels

FEE: Early bird: £490.50 / Standard price: £545

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

In an era of environmental consciousness, this course explores the intersection of art and sustainability with a particular focus on natural materials and outdoor settings. Dive into the use of eco-friendly materials, sustainable processes, and new ways of thinking about the role of art in public spaces. The first part of the course will be a series of workshops exploring materials, processes and ways of thinking sustainably. Then at the end of the course you will have three weeks to develop your own sustainable sculpture project. The course will include two different visits and there is the opportunity for the final projects to be sited in a community garden very local to the Art Academy.

Students will be able to:

  • Analyse the work of others, applying findings to their own work. 
  • Experiment with a range of different materials and techniques in making sculpture(s). 
  • Produce a cast using mycelium.
  • Mix cobb and use it to create sculpture.
  • Explain approaches for increasing biodiversity and utilise one or more in a proposal for outdoor sculpture.  
  • Research, plan and complete a self initiated project.
  • Apply safe working practices at all times. 

Recommend booking by: April 14, 2025

COURSE SCHEDULE

All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

Students need to ensure that they have all the materials and technical equipment needed available from the first lesson.

The lessons will be facilitated through Google Meets. Please ensure your computer/laptop/smart phone is set-up prior to the first lesson.

You must ensure you have a Google Account ahead of your course, if you do not have one these are free and easy to setup. Please follow instructions here on how to setup.

Please email shortcourses@artacademy.ac.uk if you struggle to set this up and we will be happy to help.

You will be emailed Google Meets link and instructions on how to join a week before the course starts.

Briony Marshall MRSS is a sculptor who has always found solace and meaning in science, to quote her heroine Rachel Carson: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure [a lifetime].” Briony has a mission to bring this beauty and understanding to others through creating works of art that people can connect to emotionally. Her rammed earth sculptures are a visual metaphor for the problem of man-made materials as well as a return to more natural materials.

Briony shows with Pangolin London and was recently shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture.

http://www.briony.com 

 

Shane Waltener’s art practice is rooted in ideas about ecology, sustainability and reuse. Waltener’s sculpture, installation and performance work draw inspiration from a range of craft practice from ceramics to textile weaving and basketry to dance and movement. Working in participatory settings, Waltener uses making processes to facilitate personal, social and cultural histories to be exchanged and create new knowledge and imaginaries.

Instagram: @shanewaltener

 

Henny Burnett is a mixed media artist working mainly in sculpture and installation using a range of techniques including casting, assemblage, photography, projection and sound. She explores the domestic and everyday with particular interest in the stories within the objects that surround us, in our homes and museums. Through casting miniature houses in a range of materials, often earth based and temporary, Henny unpicks questions about the materials she engages with and their environmental impact.

https://www.axisweb.org/p/hennyburnett// 

Instagram: @hennyburnett

 

Tim Norris specialises in large-scale outdoor Sculptural works, his work draws its inspiration from the surrounding landscape and where possible uses indigenous natural materials, in combination with recycled or engineered parts.

Tim has a range of experience in both exhibiting and constructing commissioned work in the landscape. A proven track record of Commissions and Residencies, Including, Artist in Residence at The Irwell Sculpture Trail, The Grizedale Forest, and The National Cycle Network. Rather than produce solely Furniture or Sculpture he creates inspirational environments for the public to relax, chat and enjoy. Tim has run a wide range of workshops in many different settings. Working on site with groups, constructing large sculptures to running one-day workshops in schools and Community centres.

https://timnorris.co.uk/

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.

Original price was: £545.00.Current price is: £490.50.

E2503S0015

Early bird 10% off until the 9th of March 2026

Original price was: £545.00.Current price is: £490.50.