Course Description
Fundamental techniques for producing metal sculpture using refractory molds and sand casting.
Athena Title
Casting Metal Sculpture
Prerequisite
Any 2000-level course
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By completing casting projects using lost-wax, resin-bonded sand, plaster, and latex molds, students will apply a variety of foundry techniques safely and accurately, as demonstrated through finished sculptures and studio critiques.
- By designing sculptures using digital tools such as CAD software and 3D printing, students will integrate contemporary technologies with traditional casting techniques, as demonstrated by creating molds and casting final works based on digitally produced models.
- Through metal finishing processes, including chasing, patination, and surface treatment, students will refine technical skills to achieve desired aesthetic effects, as demonstrated in completed projects and instructor feedback.
- By exploring the substitution of harder materials for softer or less permanent ones (e.g., wax), students will develop conceptual understanding of sculptural ideas and transformation, as demonstrated through project development and reflective statements.
- Through research and discussion of historical and contemporary casting practices, students will analyze how material choice, technique, and process impact sculptural meaning, as demonstrated in written reflections and project presentations.
- By participating in group critiques, students will evaluate their own work and that of peers, providing constructive feedback and revising projects accordingly, as demonstrated in verbal critique contributions and revised sculptures.
Topical Outline
- Students complete a minimum of three casting projects, starting with small-scale works and progressing to larger pieces as technical skill develops.
- Projects emphasize safe, accurate, and effective application of casting techniques, including lost-wax, resin-bonded sand, and plaster or latex molds.
- Students learn and apply various pattern making methods, gating, and spruing techniques.
- Assessment includes the ability to produce functional molds and patterns that support successful casting outcomes.
- Students explore the fluidity and handling characteristics of metals (aluminum, bronze) and moldable materials in their molten or malleable states.
- Emphasis is placed on understanding how material properties influence sculptural possibilities and outcomes.
- Instruction in metal chasing, patination, and other finishing techniques to refine aesthetic results.
- Assessment includes technical execution, attention to detail, and effective integration of finishing into the final sculpture.
- Students explore sculptural ideas by substituting harder materials for softer or less permanent ones, such as wax, PLA, etc.
- Projects are evaluated for creativity, conceptual clarity, and thoughtful use of substitution techniques.
- Regular group critiques provide opportunities to present, evaluate, and revise student work.
- Feedback from critiques informs revisions and iterative development, as demonstrated in revised sculptures and verbal participation.
