Modeling and Methods of Casting (10 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The course will approach two essential issues in sculpture - giving form and duplicating a piece. In classical art education, this has traditionally meant shaping a sculpture from visual perception in clay and casting it in a mould made from a clay model. The technical process has been driven by the need to transform fragile and malleable clay into a more durable material, usually plaster.

In the course we approach the theme from the perspective of contemporary art. The material hierarchies of classical art are still partly real, but durability or the value of the material (e.g. bronze) do not control the artistic process. Neither do the demands of visual representation and similarity. In what way is design dependent on different perceptual processes? How, for example, does perception based on tactile or verbal description produce different forms than plasticity based on the sense of sight? How do the materials influence the content of the work? The content of a piece cast in chocolate is completely different from that of a piece cast in concrete of the same shape.

The course's tutorial and theory days are usually held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please be prepared to be there from 10am to 4pm - a more detailed timetable will be published later. Wednesdays and Fridays you schedule yourself. It is up to you to ensure that the work processes proceed according to the mutually agreed timetable. Please allow at least 20h per week for artistic work.

Objective

The student can
- use modeling and casting techniques in their own artistic expression
- consider and compare the suitability of different moulding and casting techniques in their own processes
- recognise and take into account the health, safety and environmental aspects of moulding and casting techniques
- use their knowledge of moulding and casting techniques in practice
- understand the history of perceptual modeling from the point of view of techniques and means of expression
- to consider the properties of different moulding and casting materials and their potential in sculpture
- reflect on their expressive choices in an aesthetic and ethical manner
- develop three-dimensional expression relevant to their own artistic content
- deepen their knowledge of contemporary sculpture

Content

Students will learn about plastic modeling and mould making, as well as different casting materials such as plaster, concrete and waxes. During the course, the student will carry out various exercises and a larger independent artistic work. The content of the independent work overlaps with the technical objectives of the course and deepens the development of the student's own artistic expression and understanding of the possibilities of casting methods and perception-based modeling in contemporary sculpture. The student will actively participate in discussions, guidance and feedback on materials science, plastic moulding and casting techniques and pass the assignments.

Teaching methods

Independent artistic work
Lectures
Workshop work
Peer learning