I had so many requests to put a web site up detailing how to make models from friends around the world, without having a clue on how to set about it. My computer at home had Microsoft publisher which allows you to make web pages without being a technician.
So I sat down and wrote this introduction on it, and this is my baptism to the web.
Thinking that you may be faced with the same kind of questions as
the majority of people who asked for my help in solving a modelling
or sculpting problem, I will assume that you feel like I felt when I
first started out on my career as an artist and sculptor.
If you are more advanced than this, please feel free to browse
anywhere on this web site that may be of some use to you.
For me, the first 30 years were the worst, but after that things got a
little easier. ( I joke, of course,) but seriously, it did take a long time
to acquire the experience and I sincerely hope you will enjoy and
increase your own knowledge by looking at these pages.
I was always into making things but never felt they were professional or worthy of being called a work of art as I had no formal art training.
That all changed, when I got a job in a famous
London pottery. It was here that I had
begged their manager to give me any
job so that I could learn about clay and start
modelling.It was a labouring job in the yard,
and I had to unload all the lorries that came
in with several tonnes of clay.
Although the work was hard, I thoroughly
enjoyed it as I could in lunch hours, and in
the evenings, practice modeling with clay.
At that time I lived quite a long way from the pottery, and the management would let me stay in the storeroom where I made my bed with some straw and sacks
on top of the bags of clay and I was unofficially the night watchman keeping an eye on the premises. Now of course, with new safety rules and regulations.
It would not be allowed.
So for nearly 10 years in the late 60's and early 70's, I learned all about materials and methods related to the pottery industry. Of course, I was also meeting some of our most famous potters and artists and learning from them.
All the time.
When I left, it was a hard decision, as I had been made manager myself. And although the money was good, I was getting more involved with Administration and realized that I would have to leave if I wanted to pursue a career as a sculptor/modeler.
I set up my own pottery in Brighton Sussex and spent a few more years making and selling my models on the seafront.
At this time, I modeled in clay only.
Still feeling that I was a amateur without any professional qualifications.
I took my first plunge into the academic world, gave up my pottery
and enrolled as a mature student at Croydon College of Art and design,
where I got my HND After a further course of study, to obtain a BA.
I was then very lucky to win a scholarship to the most prestigious
teaching school in the country at that time: Sir Henry Doulton School of
Sculpture in Stoke-
In all this time I was learning that there were other materials that could be
used for making models. We will deal with all kinds of materials that you can use to make your own models. and indeed depending on the final result that you require, will give you an insight into how you should approach your subject in the first place.
I have made models in many materials, but I do have a preference for clay. As I have used it more than any other in my professional life in the
pottery industry. So this is it, my introduction to
you and I wish the Internet had been available
when I was learning, as least I could have saved
myself a lot of heartache and money as there
are so many sources to turn to for information and
help on the web.The art and sculpture page on my
web site, is the place to go if you would like to see
other sites related to art and sculpture.
If these little tips and suggestions get you a little further along your artistic road without too much pain, it would have all been very much worthwhile and I really would welcome any comments,or suggestions you may have that will improve the site. Thank you
To Contact us
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Telephone : (44) 01782 283803
