I'm overwhelmed

[Theodoric]

After a brief bit of lurking (one day to be exact) I’ve decided to jump into this forum. I have an art background, so I’m familiar, albeit rusty, with things like anatomy and life drawing. But I never applied myself to sculpture. Over the last few years, I’ve discovered sculpture through a series of epoxy putty commercial projects I’ve completed. This has been my limited experience with sculpture. Now I’d like to expand on it. Can anyone recommend how to best get started? Materials, books, instruction? My main interest is in figurative work. Any and all opinions will be appreciated. The actual process of sculpting doesn’t scare me, but I’m a little overwhelmed by the learning curve involved with process and technical matters.

[Araich]

Hi Theodoric - another lurker out of the shadows! Welcome into the light :)

That's a big question. How to proceed.

I would say; see lots of exhibitions - actual sculpture is very different from pictures in a book. Find working artists you like and introduce yourself, visit their studios. Talk with gallery directors, and document your early work well... It may be worth doing a short course in a technical area your interested in.

Good luck!

[fritchie]

Theodoric - You don’t give your location - big city, small town, ... . I took a couple of sculpture classes about 2 years into my professional career, just because of interest (which was greater than I realized at the time). Then I did no more sculpture for about 20 years and began again with classes at 3 different universities or art schools.

If you have access to classes, I’d say that definitely is the best way to go. You will gain insight into armatures to hold the clay, epoxy or whatever, techniques used in making molds and casting in plaster or in resin; and when you are ready, also in bronze, aluminum, or other permanent material.

If classes aren’t an option, I agree with Araich. Visit galleries, talk to artists, look for a local art society, and so on. Personal interaction helps a great deal.

[Theodoric]

I'm in Birmingham. I'll look into classes when things aren't quite so tight. Until then I'll continue to pick up bits and pieces here and look for some sculptors in my area. I'm ready to embark on this new direction. New possibilities.

[Aurora]

Get some materials and fool around. Clay is cheap and so is wood (two different ways of approaching sculpture - build up vs take away). Get a picture or item that moves you and copy the likeness. This is the learning stage and is not plagerism. By the time you get confidence in the materials, you will know the direction you want to go to. I look forward to seeing your progress.