Workshops are a great way to pass on the techniques and passion for sculpture, as
well as meeting people all with a different outlook on life, which in turn helps
to fuel my own creative endeavours.
My day-long workshops are designed to educate, stimulate and entertain. The aim being
to promote sculpture and art through workshops and demonstrations, particularly for
young people. Recycling and re-use of raw materials is strongly encouraged to reduce
adverse environmental impact.
The emphasis is on diversity, participation and learning. Block carving (using breeze
blocks) is often used and is a very popular method with all ages. Breeze blocks are
soft and easy to carve and, as such, safe to use.
Family Sculpture day is held on the front lawn of Chelmsford Museum. It is an all
day event promoting sculpture and encouraging young and old to try their hand at
3D workshops. Experienced artists are in attendance and the event is free!
The photographs on this page were taken at workshops at a local school and with SWANS
(Sometimes We All Need Support) in Maldon. The relief-carved soft block sculpture
(left) was made from individual bricks, each carved by a different person and then
framed.
I have been running workshops in mask making (examples left) and these have proved
very popular with all age groups. We work in foam, which has great possibilities
for moulding. This can result in reliefs and 3D work. The development of more masks,
such as those for Colchester Museum, is definitely on the cards.
I run regular workshops at a Family Centre in Chelmsford and at the local school
in Southminster during half-term holidays and throughout the summer break, all of
which can be quite a challenge! These workshops are often themed - as with the masks
shown here.
In summer 2002 I completed a series of workshops at the "FUN IN THE PARK" day in
Hylands Park, near Chelmsford.
The hope for the future is to offer opportunities to other artists and young people
to work alongside each other on various projects bringing together a wide range of
people and talents.
