Sculpture
Introduction
Sculpture is the art of giving form to thought. Whether in clay, wood, wire, or found materials, sculpture brings ideas into physical space. It requires attention to structure, balance, and finish, and the ability to work with both your hands and your eyes.
This course is strictly practical. You will shape, mold, cut, build, and refine. You will learn by doing, from your first pinch of clay to a finished piece you can stand back and admire.
Course Overview
This course focuses entirely on studio practice. You will:
- Learn how to work with clay, plaster, wire, and wood
- Understand basic anatomy and form
- Build armatures and supporting structures
- Mold, carve, assemble, and finish sculptural pieces
- Create both representational and abstract works
- Learn studio safety, material handling, and tool use
- Complete a final piece that reflects both concept and skill
Each week features live demonstrations, guided projects, and workspace time.
Course Description
You’ll start with foundational exercises, building simple forms, learning to observe from life, and using basic tools. As you progress, you’ll move into more complex sculpting assignments that explore balance, texture, and expression.
You’ll also learn:
- How to build an internal structure (armature) to support your work
- Techniques for joining materials and surface treatment
- Ways to repurpose found or natural objects into sculpture
- Finishing methods including sanding, painting, and sealing
By the end of the course, you will produce a completed sculpture ready for display or portfolio inclusion.
What you will learn
- Basic handling of sculpting tools and materials
- Techniques in modeling, carving, and construction
- How to build strong, stable 3D forms
- How to observe shape, mass, proportion, and balance
- Studio habits for cleanup, drying, storage, and safety
- Surface treatment and finishing for long-lasting results
- Planning and executing a sculpture from concept to completion
Course Content – Module Breakdown
Module 1: Studio Tools and Sculpting Materials
- Introduction to tools: cutters, loop tools, wire, and rasps
- Clay types, plaster, wire, and mixed media
- Studio safety and material care
Module 2: Fundamentals of Form and Shape
- Creating basic forms using pinch, coil, and slab methods
- Understanding symmetry, weight, and stability
- Exercises in building basic heads, vessels, or organic shapes
Module 3: Modeling and Construction Techniques
- Working with soft and hard materials
- Building with armatures
- Creating hollow vs. solid pieces
Module 4: Observational Sculpture and Proportions
- Working from objects, nature, or figure studies
- Building small busts or hand studies
- Measuring and scaling in three dimensions
Module 5: Assemblage and Abstract Sculpture
- Using found or reclaimed materials
- Exploring balance, gesture, and negative space
- Wire bending and creative construction
Module 6: Finishing and Presentation
- Drying, sanding, painting, or sealing
- Preparing work for tabletop, wall-mount, or pedestal display
- Final critique and presentation
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Creative individuals who enjoy working with their hands
- Beginners interested in physical, three-dimensional art
- Visual artists expanding from drawing or painting into 3D work
- Designers and educators exploring tactile teaching tools
- Art hobbyists or young adults interested in sculpture as a craft or practice
- Those who learn best by doing, shaping, building, and finishing
Instructors
Facilitated by sculptors, art educators, and craft specialists with experience working in local and international exhibitions, installations, and creative commissions.
Instructors bring practical guidance on working with limited tools or studio space and share tips on building a sustainable sculptural practice in the Nigerian creative space.
Learning Format
In-person, studio-based learning
Duration: 8 weeks
Materials Provided: Clay, wire, starter tools, and work surface access. Participants may bring additional personal materials for their final projects.
If you are ready to sculpt, shape, and see your ideas take physical form—
Next Cohort: Quarterly (15 students only)
Next Cohort: Quarterly (10 to 12 students per batch – intensive and practical)
Not sure this course is for you? Contact us and we will help you assess your fit based on your creative goals and preferred learning style.
