Preparatory Course in Sculpture

Modelling is the main part of sculpting literacy. Students model realistically diverse things and objects in various scales. A simple plaster mould and casting into plaster is another step in the process of creating of a sculpture. The students also learn about the ways to prepare and use plaster casts for bronze casting, realization in stone or other final materials. Next step is the silicone mould.

In the second part of the course, students create free spatial compositions on a given theme exploiting their newly acquired experience. Everything can be considered a sculpture since the 1960s. Thereby this project offers plenty of space and freedom in the choice of material and realization process. The emphasis is placed on the students’ creativity and their ability to master the given theme artistically in sculptural formation. 

The course also includes a short prompt response to a given topic, or a joint weekly project of students, which encourage communication, flexibility and a prompter response. Presentations on well-known Slovak or foreign authors are included as well. 

Theoretical knowledge of art history and especially sculpture history, which the students of the course earn in the ongoing practical work, plays a significant role in the course. This basic practical and theoretical know-how should deepen and enrich their knowledge and prepare them for further studies at AFAD.

The results of the creative work in the courses are presented at the end of semester. This presentation is important in the study process. The students have an opportunity to confront the results of their creative work with their colleagues and a public, especially during the semester exhibition of students’ works (Prieskum) and at AFAD open days at the end of each semester. 

One of the main roles of the course is to encourage and motivate students on their own artistic way and provide them with the quality base for their further studies and work.