Casting. Techniques processes and finishing

I am delighted to announce that In September 2014 will be resuming the casting course at Mary Ward Centre.

MAKING CASTING AND FINISHING

Information
Make and finish pieces of sculpture to learn casting techniques such as plaster waste moulds, latex rubber, piece moulds and cement fondue.

Finish sculptures using bronze effects, glazes, and varied pattination processes.

What previous knowledge/experience/skills is required?
This course is accessible to all people regardless of age or level of experience.

It is primarily aimed at people who are already enrolled on other courses at the Mary Ward who need to cast the work they have made in other classes.

Course Content

You will be expected to provide or make a suitable object for casting.

In a term you will learn or improve your skills in at least one or more of the following processes:

Clay Impression moulding

Rigid or Waste moulding processes (clay wall and shim) cement fondue casts, plaster casts.

Piece moulding,

Flexible moulding with Latex, alginate or silicon rubber.

Finishing effects and pattination such as bronzing glazing

Each object to be cast will be individually considered and the most appropriate method of casting employed. Students who have gained some experience and technical expertise will be able to use the time and space to finish work from other classes.

Some processes such as bronze casting are not covered due to limited facilities and resources.

Consult the tutor if you have a specific need

Specific learning objectives are set according to the individual requirements of the student and may well include things not listed here.

What materials you will need for the course and estimated cost.

The scale of the object to be cast usually determines the choice of casting material and costs may vary. Some casting materials are not supplied

What you should be able to do by the end of the course
1, Make finished moulds to produce pieces of sculpture using a casting process.

2 Develop skills and expertise in a casting methods and techniques of your choice.

3. Understand characteristics and control of casting materials (e.g.: plaster, clay, cement fondue)

4. Explore finishing techniques such as pattination polishing and presentation.

Each student will attain competence in the different casting methods, and develop the confidence and ability to cast objects independently

The teaching and learning methods we use on the course

Inexperienced students are encouraged to begin with simple mould making such as bas relief and progress through piece molding to flexible moulds for multiple casts.

This course is ideally suited for students wishing to make moulds of work they have produced in other classes at the centre.

Students are expected to follow a stage by stage progression through the various mould making processes and levels of difficulty that are taught on the course.

For Example

Difficulty

1 bas relief Plaster waste mould

2 bas relief Latex rubber mould. (for multiple casts)

3 Two piece mould E.g. a head. Clay original.

4 Two piece mould Full figure, seated or reclining.

5 Two piece mould Abstract clay.

6 Multiple piece mould Sculpture without base. (filled by swilling).

7 Multiple piece mould(small) Standing figure in cement fondue.

8 Multiple piece mould(large) Complex large sculpture requiring reinforcement.

Students will be expected to make or provide a suitable object for each stage.

The tutor aims to divide time evenly and fairly among all the students in the class.

The course will be taught through demonstration, practice and discussion with emphasis on sound and careful technique to ensure strong and successful end results.

How we assess your progress on the course

Students will be expected to take detailed notes on processes so that they can be accurately repeated. A sketch book/ notebook will be a great asset in the process of self assessment. Students will appreciate that in a class of mixed abilities and projects, the tuition is more often than not one to one and consequently students will be expected to be self reliant and patient until such time as their needs can be attended to. More experienced students will be encouraged to help and advise the less experienced whenever
Students will be encouraged to analyse, interpret, appraise and evaluate their own work. This may take

the form of a group discussion or individual consultation with the tutor or fellow students. Assessments are geared to meet individual needs as appropriate.

What extra study/practice we expect you to do outside the class
It may well be necessary for students to make of find objects to bring to the class to practice their casting techniques. There is no objection to taking time to make a sculpture in the class. Students may find their acquire casting skills faster if they bring ready-made objects with them.

What you can do next, after this course
Students have gone on to work in many different fields. For example model making for film and TV, Anatomical model making and various other art and craft applications. They also have the satisfaction of casting and finishing their own work for exhibition etc.

You may also consider taking further courses at the Mary Ward Centre, for example, Access into Art or Pre-foundation