factory floor/ training

The National Sculpture Factory supports artists in their practice by providing a range of complementary technical and professional workshops and training in areas of direct relevance to their work. The professional development workshops aim to address the business needs of artists working in a professional environment. They are also intended to introduce artists to new areas of work, providing artistic and financial opportunities and complementing their studio practice. The technical workshops are intended to provide practical and skills-based resources to artists, aiding them with the production side of their work. In 2008, the National Sculpture Factory introduced a mentoring scheme, aiming to allow for a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experience between artists at different stages of their careers. The focus of the mentoring scheme was on a series of intensive meetings between the mentor and mentee, over a period of time, resulting in a mixture of professional, critical and practical advice and exchange.

Spring / summer 2010 Technical Skills Workshops

The NSF supports artists in their professional practice by providing a range of technical skills based workshops. The following technical workshops are scheduled for spring / summer 2010:

Mould-making Using Fibre Glass Backed Silicone Rubber

Introductory Bronze Casting
 

Workshop On Mould-Making Using Fibre Glass Backed Silicone Rubber 
Trainer: Vince O’Shea
Dates:
Mon 10, Tues 11, Wed 12 and Thurs 13 May 2010 (inclusive). 
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm (lunch 30 min)
Participant level: Some experience desirable, but not essential
Venue: National Sculpture Factory
No. of participants: 8 (max)
Cost: €180 (NSF members) & €220 (non-members)

Day one: Vince will discuss the process and materials before moving on to the moulding making technique over the following days.

Aims & objectives: This is a unique opportunity for artists to bring their sculpture to a professional mould-maker / foundry craftsman and be guided practically through the moulding process using fibreglass backed silicone rubber. Classes are for both beginners to advanced and offer practical knowledge and tips to help the artist understand the moulding process and help keep costs down from the original sculpture to the media the sculpture will be eventually cast in, without affecting the art of the piece.

Summary of workshop:

· Familiarisation with Mould-making Using Fibre Glass Backed Silicone Rubber Techniques
· Basic principles involved in the techniques
· Demonstrating basic moulding techniques
· Fabricate and assembly of individual pieces
· Question and answer session
· Advice on purchasing of materials

Participants are asked to bring their own piece(s) of art (very important) to mould.

Trainer’s biog: Owner of a bronze foundry and self-taught mould maker / body caster with over 20 years experience working with sculptors. Vince has moulded miniature to life size sculpture and reproduction of work in all media types incl. water based, polyester, polystyrene and water clear resins, plasters, glass, wax, cold cast bronze and hot pour bronze.

NB.  All participants should arrive equipped with overalls (long sleeved) and appropriate footwear

As places are limited, booking is on a first come first serve basis – To book/ pay for a place contact, Elma O’Donovan, Administrator/ Artists’ Liaison, National Sculpture Factory @ 021 4314353 or email: elma@nationalsculpturefactory.com

Please note bookings are non refundable

 Introductory Bronze Casting Workshop

This 2 day workshop will cover wax working, mould making (modern and pre historic), casting and finishing techniques

Wednesday 9 & Thursday 10 June 2010

Trainer: Helle Helsner
Time:    10.00 – 4.30 pm (lunch 30 min)
Participant level: Some experience desirable, but not essential
Venue: National Sculpture Factory
No. of participants: 6 (max)
Cost: €140 (NSF members) & €170 (non-members)

Aims & objectives: This 2 day introductory bronze casting workshop will cover wax working, mould making (modern and pre historic), casting and finishing techniques. It is the aim of the workshop to give the participant a deeper understanding of the bronze casting process - As well as an introduction on how to set up a foundry on a small-scale basis using self-made equipment.

Summary of workshop:
- Basic principles involved in the technique
- Demonstrating basic casting techniques
- Question and answer session
- Advice on purchasing of materials

Trainer’s biog: Helle Helsner works as a sculptor specialising in bronze casting using a combination of pre historic and modern methods. She has run bronze casting workshops for the past 7 years in Ireland, UK, Denmark and America. Helle is also a lecturer in Crawford College of Art and Design.

Please Note
All participants should arrive equipped with overalls (long sleeved) and appropriate footwear.

As places are limited, booking is on a first come first serve basis – To book/ pay for a place contact, Elma O’Donovan, Administrator/ Artists’ Liaison, National Sculpture Factory @ 021 4314353 or email: elma@nationalsculpturefactory.com

Please note bookings are non refundable.

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