Small-scale sculpture
Weekend-long practical course
23 February 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm24 February 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens
£420. Includes all materials, lunch and a wine reception at the end of the first day.
Terms and conditions
This course encourages participants to explore the meaning of sculpture in both a personal and a practical sense, using a diverse range of non-traditional art materials, techniques and objects to create unique small scale pieces.
'The bricoleur is still someone who works with his hands and uses devious means…'
Claude Lévi-Strauss, Anthropologist, 1997
The term bricolage derives from the French verb bricoleur, meaning to tinker, and in English is closely linked to the phrase ‘do-it-yourself’. It refers to the construction of an object or artwork using found materials, often those closest to hand, or to a work created using a diverse range of mixed media, often mass-produced. Gathering, selecting and combining objects can create artworks that challenge and engage the viewer in both serious and humorous ways.
Particularly popular during the postmodern era, the approach was adopted when traditional materials were not readily available and elements of bricolage can be seen in the Surrealist, Dadaist and Cubist movements. However, the approach took on a significant political dimension in the 1960s and 70s when it was adopted by the Italian Arte Povera (Poor Art) movement, with artists such as Marisa Merz using the technique to challenge the commercialisation of the art world at that time. Arte Povera artists constructed pieces using rubbish and ephemera to both devalue the materialism of the art world and to place value on the everyday.
Over the course of the weekend, participants will use a range of techniques, including assemblage, collage, simple mould-making, binding and joining in order to create small-scale pieces inspired by a particular book, place or memory significant to them. Taking inspiration from contemporary artists including Yinka Shonibare RA, Grayson Perry RA, Anselm Kiefer Hon RA and Cornelia Parker RA, participants will gain further insight into artists’ ideas and methods through two short slideshow presentations.
One-on-one teaching time will enable individuals to create a truly personal piece, with the opportunity to share and discuss work and ideas with the group throughout the weekend.
About the course
This course is designed to let participants explore ideas and techniques for small scale-sculpture. These techniques are easy to replicate at home and are a great way to extend artistic practice into three dimensions.
Using a variety of approaches, with demonstrations and guidance from the tutor as well as examples from the RA’s own Collection, participants will be able to discover which ways of working best communicate their ideas.
The tutor will be able to work with individuals to help develop their projects in a direction that interests them, and there will be opportunity to share ideas and discuss work with the group.
Participants are advised to bring something to carry their works home in, as there are no storage facilities available.
This course will take place in the new Clore Learning Centre at the Royal Academy in Burlington Gardens.
This course is suitable for all levels, but participants will ideally have some prior experience of sculpture, three-dimensional working or creative practice in general.
This course is for you if:
• You have some prior knowledge of sculpture and would like to extend your skills
• You would like to work with a range of media on different scales
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to sculpture
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills within a small group in the historic setting of the RA’s Life Room
• You would like the opportunity to study artworks and objects from the RA’s Collection
• You have no prior experience of sculpture, but have an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more generally
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
Price: £420
Saturday 23 February - Sunday 24 February 2019
10.30am - 5.30pm on both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the RA with particular reference to works in the Collection
• The opportunity to work with a range of mixed media on a small sculptural scale
• All specialist practical art materials
• Course learning materials and hand-outs
• A drinks reception at the end of the first day
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Grace Adam
Grace Adam initially trained as a painter. She has an MA in Sculpture and Installation from Chelsea College of Arts, where she was subsequently a Fellow, and where she now teaches History and Theory and studio practice on the Spatial Design programme. Grace regularly films reviews of contemporary exhibitions for The Art Channel. Recent reviews include Dalí / Duchamp, Chris Ofili, Tacita Dean and Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
She works across drawing, painting, sculpture and installation, and is particularly interested in how we build, negotiate and use our environments. She shows regularly, with exhibitions and residencies in London and further afield. Recent shows in London include Views & Vistas and Out of the Woods, both supported by Arts Council England and UAL Research Funding. She is working on Unreasonable, an installation for OA.N. Residencies include Banff Centre for the Arts, Canada, HMP Prison Gartree, Gibberd Rooms, Harlow New Town and St Giles Church, London.
Our courses and classes programme
Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk