Paper sculpture – cut, fold, construct with Richard Sweeney

Modelling, casting and other techniques

Ref: SLW11936

Suitable for all £412
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About this course

Use paper to create three-dimensional forms. Learn simple techniques to develop an individual approach to paper sculpture.

Course Description

This course is an accessible, hands-on introduction to the world of paper craft. You will be introduced to a range of processes and techniques that will help you to see beyond the two-dimensional sheet of paper and begin to explore the three-dimensional potential of this versatile material.

Starting with an introduction into papercraft, you will be looking at the basic skills and techniques through demonstration and playful experimentation. You will then apply these skills to a series of mini paper sculpture projects, including creating simple forms from templates and creating an abstract three-dimensional piece. These projects are designed to deepen your understanding of paper sculpture.

With this deeper understanding, you will apply what you have learnt to develop your own project, in consultation with the tutor. You will be given the opportunity to realise your own paper sculpture, which can be as ambitious as time will allow. The tutor will be able to provide you with further techniques and the best possible approaches for achieving this.

By the end of the course, you will have learnt a range of basic techniques and processes for creating three-dimensional paper sculptures. You will have a good understanding of how many artworks in paper are produced and be able to apply this knowledge toward producing your own work beyond this course.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • Masking tape, cartridge paper 140gsm, 160gsm and 220gsm and Bockingford 190gsm, glue gun and glue sticks, to be shared amongst the group, plus all tools required.

What students need to bring

  • Please bring your own stationery and sketching material – see materials listed below.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A good selection of art materials – paints, papers, glues, etc.
  • Sketchbook
  • Pencil, pencil sharpener
  • Steel rule 30cm
  • Craft scalpel (not Stanley knife), replacement blade
  • Please bring any of the above if you have them.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals.

Tutors

Richard Sweeney


Richard studied 3D Design at Manchester Metropolitan University. Concentrating his study on paper folding techniques, he has since explored the medium to develop a sculptural practice. He has held workshops internationally and lectured at several institutions including the RCA. Richard exhibits work worldwide and has authored a book on paper sculpting methods, Paper Sculpture: Fluid Forms (published November 2021) by Schiffer Publishing..

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.

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