Sculpture Night Class - Modelling in Clay
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Learn to create forms in clay using the techniques of coiling, slab building and pinching in this practical night class for all skill levels.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin School of Art, P Block, Dunedin
It will take a total of 8 weeks
This course requires 2 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Develop proficiency in key clay modelling techniques
Gain practical skills in coiling, slab building, and pinching to create sculptural forms from clay.
Generate original sculpture projects
Create and present finished clay sculptures and developmental sketches or maquettes.
Analyse and observe form, scale, and detail
Improve observation skills to enhance the creativity and technical quality of your work.
What You're Signing Up For
This eight-week evening workshop at Otago Polytechnic teaches participants to create sculptures in clay using techniques such as coiling, slab building, and pinching. Suitable for both beginners and those with some experience, the course fosters observation and creative development through technical exercises and personal projects. Students will work towards completing individual small-to-medium forms that will be fired, with the option to learn mould-making and casting. Classes include demonstrations, personalised support, and the chance to pursue your own creative ideas.
Course Content
- Techniques: coiling, slab building, pinching with clay
- Observation and form analysis
- Understanding scale and detail
- Creative development of individual projects
- Technical sculpture tasks
- Modelled sketches and maquettes
- Tutor demonstrations and one-on-one feedback
- Structure, design, and texture issues in sculpture
- Mould making (two-piece mould, plaster casting)
- Finishing and firing of clay forms
What you need to know first
Learners under 16 require parental consent.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Visual Arts
Ceramics
Sculpture
Future employment opportunities might be
Practising visual artist
Ceramics or sculpture studio assistant
Preparatory experience for further art study
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.