Sculpture

Sculpture has been around since someone first picked up two lumps of stone and decided that, by whittling one down with the other, a recognisable form could be made. Human beings quest for perfection has led to the incredible artistic creations we call sculpture. As the most public and therefore accessible of art forms, you’re sure to have had some experience of sculpture. For some, it is a spectator sport, but there are plenty of you who practice the art too. We’ll also give you some ideas if you are looking for a starting point on your own journey into sculpture.

A sculpture is a three-dimensional art object that has been made by a sculptor. This definition covers the whole range of sculpture; it does not have to fall into the high art category. A person of any age is a sculptor if they have created a sculpture. For many artists, sculpture is a part of the syllabus studied on an art course, and it is one of many art forms tried and practiced as part of the subject. Some of us learnt simple sculpting at school, while others are entirely self-taught and motivated by their own inspiration. Sculpture can be a hobby or a profession; you can look or get your hands dirty. It is an art for everyone.

What are sculptures made from? Absolutely anything that lends itself to being sculpted! We are familiar with the classical sculptures in finest marble, but the truth is that sculpture has moved with the times and now you are just as likely to find a sculpture made of recycled materials. The criteria in times gone by were often longevity, and so stones such as marble, limestone or granite were used. The other favourite mediums were of course metals, mostly bronze but more rarely (because of the cost) gold, silver, jade or ivory. For lesser pieces, various woods were chosen, as well as cast metals and terracotta. These were often very fine pieces of sculpture in themselves, and many are remarkably long-lived. Modern sculptures can be made of just about anything. There are new materials like acrylics and steel, but recycled materials have been widely used by many celebrated artists, and this choice of mediums has opened up vast possibilities. The use of natural objects to create sculptures has also established a whole new genre. For some sculptors, glass is their chosen vehicle. The art of short-term sculpture has also seen great innovation, using things like sand, gas or ice. The limited life-span of such work adds to the effect.

Maybe you are already involved in sculpting, or perhaps you have a few ideas but don’t know how to get started? We would like to hear from all you sculptors out there, budding or beginning. Share information and ask questions. See what other people think of what you have done. If you fancy sculpting as a hobby, find out if there are any classes in your area, either council-run or through a college or school, and check to see if any sculptors in your area teach or are willing talk to you. Of course, it’s good to look at every bit of sculpture around you, at exhibitions or in public places, and don’t forget the library for all those coffee-table books full of luscious photos to get you inspired. This is a hobby that you could begin on very cheaply, but depending on what materials you choose to work with, you could decide to spend more. For the beginner, there’s the wonderfully workable Hebel stone, available in craft stores. The craft store is also a great point of contact for you to use. It is always helpful to share your hobby with others, as well as more enjoyable.

Sculpture has along and illustrious history. Many of the relics from ancient civilisations are sculptures, some of the oldest art forms around today. The hammer and chisel has created an amazing diversity of sculpting styles from different cultures. Think of the statues of ancient Greece, the Pharaohs treasure from ancient Egypt, the Buddhist and Hindu carvings of Asia, and the sculptures of Africa which are still an intrinsic and vital part of life there today. The many types of sculpture are probably familiar to us: the bust, meaning a sculpture of the chest up: the statue; the free-standing, to be viewed from any angle; the equestrian, a figure on horseback; the fountain, comprising flowing water; mobiles; and high- and low- relief, when a sculpture stands out from the background it is attached to. These are but some of the types of sculpture that you have seen, but maybe didn’t recognise as being of a particular style.

Sculpture is everywhere, and once you tune in to it, you will see just how diverse and accessible it is. Sculpting as a hobby can be a wonderful journey into your creative psyche, enrich your life, and turn into a lifelong passion. Don’t be shy, follow in the footsteps of the many who have gone before. Pick up that chisel and SCULPT!