Over the years I have recieved several requests for help and support in starting out in metal sculpture, or in adapting existing fabrication skills to sculpture.

In response I started running workshops in Metal Sculpture. These days or weekends are individually planned to suit the needs of the individual. I take bookings usually on a 1:1 basis but have also worked with small groups of friends which has worked out well.

My original idea was to provide a set of projects covering various aspects of metal sculpture and welding, interestingly I find most people are coming along with their own ideas to be realised.

The workshops are planned after talking to participants; or if they are being bought as a gift, to the purchaser. I like to establish the level of experience of the participant so I can tailor the projects and work to their experience and skill level. I have worked with people who are experienced welders and fabricators who want to get in touch with their 'creative side', and I have worked with people who never seen a Mig welder or handled a piece of steel.

Adrian and Emma came for a weekend, both had no experience of welding or metal work but fancied a weekend break somewhere nice doing something 'interesting and creative'. After a few discussions they decided to work on a project each. Emma had decided on a Giant Champagne glass with bubbles, and Adrain wanted to have a go at a 'Curly thing like this' cue waving of arms and a few sketches on the workbench, a kind of double helix was the idea.

Here is Emma with her finished result. A Giant Champagne Glass with bubbles.

 

Emma did all of the welding and metal shaping herself. The next photo shows Adrian's Curly thing.

 
I was particularly taken with this as I have been thinking about helixes for sometime. The balls give it a very purposeful, almost Victorian look.

Dave came along looking to make 'A Man Trapped in a Ball', an idea had been developing for some time. He had some previous experience of welding, but not very recently. This was his first go at 'doing sculpture' rather than structural work.

 

An excellent piece of work and very personal.

Natalie wanted to make a semi abstract sculpture based on her drawing of her daughter, Natalie had no experience of metal working before coming along, she did almost all of the welding and most of the metal bending.

 

All of the sculptures produced on this page have given me food for thought and new ideas to think about regards shape and form.

 Here are two images of karolin who came over from Germany for a two day workshop, a surprise gift from her husband. She had some experience of metal work from her school days but was keen to try some more advanced techniques. In the first picture she is welding on the Dragonfly sculpture she made.

In the next image she is trying out the plasma cutter

A recent workshop was run for another beginner Adrian. Usually I have in mind a set of projects for different skill levels. Adrian however came in knowing exactly what he wanted to make; a semi abstract sculpture based on a school of tropical fish swimming in a spiral. On the day; between us we worked out the structures needed, how to make them and how to learn the fabrication skills needed to make them ie cutting, bending and welding the components together. Below we have one of the two pieces he made over his weekend.

I confess to having been particularly impressed with the results of this day. Here is a quote from Adrian after I asked if I could use his pictures in this setting.

"I'd consider it a privilege to be on your web-site.  As for comments - 'the sculpture workshop is a fantastic experience; Alan is an excellent, patient and helpful tutor.  I didn't know anything about the techniques but learnt so much over the course of two days, and I have two pieces of sculpture to show for it!  I would recommend it to anyone'."

These workshops have become popular gifts which was not expected, I am happy to print out gift certificates for the recipient

 I am happy to run single sex courses if desired as I have spoken to a few women who are intimidated the the 'blokiness' of the activities involved, eg application of heat and use of technical equipment. I would also be comfortable running the for small family groups, I have had children as young as 10 years old welding competently.

I think they could also make for an interesting component of a wedding package.

Pricing is £200.00 for a whole day of 1:1 work, small group courses are a possibility and would work best if the participants were known to each other. This could make for an interesting wedding/stag event.

I have a background working in education and have planned and ran small group courses in the past. The price includes all materials and consumables, I provide high spec protective equipment. I can provide overalls if needed. Otherwise old clothes (not synthetics) would do. In a group setting I can provide a second Mig welder for a small extra fee.

The tools I  use are all professional quality and are well maintained. if you would like to bring along your own tools, eg welding equipment this should not be a problem. I do have insurancefor these activities.

If you are coming from a distance away I am happy to help sort  B+B accomodation locally.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

                          Contact details 075905 80853

                              artinsteel@tiscali.co.uk