Art Casting Course - Content

What is the course about?

The course is about developing your understanding of the ceramic shell process of bronze casting. You will be guided through a range of processes, to create a small sculpture that will be cast in bronze, or other metal, at the InovativeCentre, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade.

Course outline

This comprehensive course is for those who wish to learn a number of mould making and casting processes, from the fundamental principles to more advanced techniques. From the starting point of making a clay or wax original (no experience necessary) you will produce a one-piece flexible rubber mould, take castings from it and learn the principles of how to produce a multi-piece mould. You will then go on to produce a range of different moulds and casts including clay press moulds, plaster multi-piece moulds, plaster casting and finishing, hollow lost wax ceramic shell casting and life moulds from the body. This course is suitable for the complete novice or the more experienced who wishes to hone or add to existing skills.

1^st Day

• Introduction to the basic concepts of metalcasting: metals and alloys, melting, molding and coremaking, tools and equipment, technology.
• The types of metals and alloys for casting art, the raw materials, furnaces and smelting of metals.
• Movie presentation.
• Visiting lab and familiarization with basic equipment and tools.
3-4h

2^nd Day

• History and introduction to Art Casting: famed art castings, working with the template-casting bells and cannons.
• Basic technological operations in the artistic casting.
• Movie presentation.
• Working in the lab - Making small molds in sand and casting of Al/Cu alloys cast.
5h

3^rd Day

• Principles of the hollow lost wax ceramic shell method.
• Required tools, materials and accessories: artwork, modeling and molding- clay, plaster, rubber, plastics, polystyrene, making ceramic shell for castings.
• Movie presentation.
• Working in the lab- Start an individual project. Drawing on Auto CAD - the choice of the individual models, development of a model on the 3D printer, etc.
6h

4^th Day

• Presentation of other methods for making art castings (hard and soft molding).
• Basics of welding. Methods- TIG, MIG and others. Tools and accessories for welding.
• Laboratory – demonstration on welding and further work on an individual project
12h

5^th Day

• Rapid Prototyping. The concept and methods.
• Movie presentation
• Laboratory - further work on an individual project.
5h

6-9^th Day

• Laboratory-Individual student projects. Making art cast using an impression with silicone rubber models: making models of (favorable or previously made on 3D printer), taking an impression of rubber, plaster covering, rubber waxing, plaster mold assembly, pouring wax, preparing and pouring a mixture of core, reinforcement of core , opening the mold with wax model and making the filling system on the model, making the shell- infliction the required number of layers, baking pans and set up for casting, shell casting, finishing- shaking out, sand blasting and cutting, welding, grinding and polishing, patination, waxing.
15h

10^th Day

• How to make your own art foundry castings and how much it costs - making a business plan.
• Laboratory-finish their own projects (sculptures)
3h

11^th Day

• Common-trip visit to the professional art casting foundry (lunch).

12^th Day

• Awarding of certificates. The discussion, exchange of experiences, comments and suggestions. Lunch. The end of the course.

Events

Course outline

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all ability levels. If you come with experience, you will be able to improve and extend your skills. If you are unused to making sculpture, you will be able to work with a found object should you wish. Support is available if you think you would benefit from help with following written or verbal instructions in English or with working independently.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Students will be guided through the processes through group demonstrations and individual tuition. The emphasis is really on the individual, practical work under the supervision of an instructor. It will all play out in our laboratory.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please wear clothing suitable for a sculpture studio and stout shoes that cover the whole foot. Please bring in sketches/ ideas and/or small objects for your small sculpture. All costs of casting a small metal sculpture are included in the course fee. You will be told how large to work. It would be advisable to bring a laptop or tablet for easy monitoring of the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No. All the necessary information you will fill in the registration form, which we will send you once you sign in the course.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

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Number of students is limited to the 10 students per course. To reserve your place on time, subscribe to the ArtCasting course and we will contact you:

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