Slade Summer School: Low Tech Casting

About

This course is for students with an interest in exploring low tech and sculptural approaches to casting, to re-think, undo and extend traditional casting processes. The aim is to get in touch with basic materials and to develop thinking about new possibilities of using materials as well as exploring what could potentially constitute a mould or casting material. The course looks at how to reconsider the substance and consistencies of materials, and how to produce outlines and textures. It looks at how to direct and re-direct unpredictable processes and to be inventive and experimental with combining and mixing materials, to see what happens if you cast plaster into sand, or pour hot wax into a plaster mix. We will also look at casting as a form of printing or picking up surfaces and textures, as well as at the potential of failure, changing materiality, cracks and decay. The workshop is practical and followed by discussions and group tutorials. Starting with a demonstration of a series of techniques and followed by student's own experimentation, the course also includes field experiments, a trip and artist's talks. Please note that this course does not teach traditional mould-making techniques. Included in the course fee is a levy to cover normal use during class of the basic materials. For a detailed materials list please contact us at sladesummer@ucl.ac.uk.