This small-scale sculpture class is designed for artists of all skill levels, offering a playful yet structured approach to working with papier-mâché and found objects. Using these materials and a bit of creative imagination, we’ll bring your whimsical creatures, abstract forms, and architectural visions to life. Whether you're interested in giving form to the intangible or capturing a personal story, you’ll discover new ways to express yourself through hands-on sculpture.
Along the way, you’ll also build practical skills in creating structurally sound pieces — from problem-solving techniques to working with plaster-like materials and those curious objects you’ve been saving — all while learning how to craft sculptures that are free-standing or hanging.
This course guides students through the process of translating 2D concepts into fully realized 3D sculptures. Beginning with ideation and sketching, students will advance to fabrication and problem-solving stages, creating structurally sound pieces using papier-mâché, found objects, paint, and other materials. Throughout the course, students will also learn the key elements of sculptural design, including balance, form, texture, and proportion. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills and confidence to bring their creative visions to life, gaining a deeper understanding of the techniques involved in sculpture construction and material use.
Session Breakdown:
Week 1:
Introduction to small-scale sculpture and materials
Begin sketching and ideating for your sculpture
Start building a basic structure using wire or armature
Week 2:
Begin working with papier-mâché and found objects to build form
Focus on balancing structure and texture
Explore surface treatment and begin reinforcing forms with plaster-like materials
Week 3:
Develop more intricate details in your sculpture
Experiment with adding complex textures and layers
Introduction to issues of stability, proportion, and surface treatment
Week 4:
Focus on refinement: balancing form, texture, and proportion
Continue adding details with found objects and papier-mâché
Begin adding final elements like paint and finishes
Week 5:
Work on finalizing the structure and integrating materials
Fine-tune the balance, texture, and details
Start preparing for the final presentation (painting, assembly, finishing touches)
Week 6:
Finalizing sculptures and adding any finishing details
Group reflection and sharing of your process and results
Discussion on ways to continue sculptural practice beyond the course
First day items:
sketchbook
drawing materials
Additional supplies I will go over on the first day may include:
9 gauge sculpture/armature wire (can be a little thicker or thinner)
Newspaper
Masking tape
Gesso (at least an 8oz jar)
Variety of acrylic paint and brushes
Piece of wood or other material for sculpture base
Optional: Found objects to incorporate into sculpture
