SCULPTURE

In the representations of the collective fantasy the word sculpture refers to almost as many realities as individuals. Some will think about Rodin, others about the forge, the caryatides of the Parthenon, the mobiles by Calder, the pre-Columbian statuettes, woodcarving, the compressions of Cesar, etc. The list is infinite, which justifies the fact that sculpture includes all sorts of styles and techniques. Considering the vast choice a student faces, the role of the teacher is to guide, to propose a scale of difficulty for each technique, and also to account for this variety. With this objective in mind, we have developed a program of work, divided in levels of difficulties and based on the progressive acquisition of technical and cultural knowledge. Since the work of clay is preliminary to all the other techniques, the student will realize a first series of exercises to become acquainted with the different modeling techniques. Then he or she will work with other techniques and materials – carving/casting in plaster, cement casting, wire structures, wood carving, work of varied materials such as cardboard, fabric, etc. For some particular techniques, we do not hesitate to invite professionals and artists from outside. Finally, classes of nude models are another important aspect of our teaching

But technical learning is nothing if not accompanied by a certain artistic and cultural background. By all means, each one, through his or her work, has the possibility to express his or her personality and the ideas which belong to him or her. But experience shows that without a previous solid artistic culture, it is difficult for a student to go beyond a limited formal language, spontaneously expressed in the first exercises. For that reason, our program gives special importance to art history, transmitted through a theoretical course and practical exercises. We also organize visits in museums in order to make this teaching more concrete. Last but not least the professor will take particular care in respecting the individual’s pace and creative freedom. Our course is annual, from September to July.