Ref: SWE32465
Starting with a short presentation on lost-wax casting, you will then begin to work with an understanding of the global and historical context of the craft.
You will work with 200g of natural modelling wax, made by the tutor according to a traditional Newari recipe, using locally sourced beeswax. You will be guided to sculpt a subject of your choice. The possibilities are vast. Lost-wax casting is a technique used diversely, from sculpture to jewellery, to engineering, to household functional objects. Your tutor is enthusiastic to guide you to create something specific to you.
There will be an option for the sculptures to be left with the tutor to be bronze cast for an agreed additional fee, or kept safely for use on a follow-on, comprehensive bronze casting course later on in the West Dean calendar.
By the end of the course, you will have learnt an array of basic techniques for wax-sculpting. You will understand the use of wax sculpting within the context of lost-wax casting, as well as a ground knowledge of the whole process of metal casting, through a light introduction to the global and historical culture of lost-wax casting.
You will be given enough methods and understanding to be comfortable to continue wax-sculpting of your own accord following the course. Your tutor is an advocate of making methods accessible, and will emphasise the possibility of sculpting easily from home.
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)
Abigail Burt is a Royal College of Art Sculpture MA 2020 graduate. Her artist practice considers our connection with our environment, with an emphasis on ecological awareness and public participation. In 2019 she founded Kinstinct Arts, an arts and ecology platform, from which she is currently running the project Lost-Wax for Lost-Species.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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