Welding Sculptures

Learn everything there is to know about welded steel sculpture in a technical, historic and aesthetic sense.

Paul Hopmeier instructs you in the safe use of oxy acetylene, arc (manual metal arc) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding techniques, and demonstrates complex methods for joining, cutting, shaping, grinding and bending steel to produce successful sculptures.

*Short courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. For students under 16 years of age there are School Holiday Workshops, Art Club and other youth art programs.

Please note: there will be no class on Saturday 2nd September due to NAS Open Day

Paul Hopmeier has been exhibiting since 1977; he has taught sculpture for over 30 years in many art colleges and has experience and knowledge in all aspects of sculpture.

After training as a stonemason, Paul expanded his art-making to encompass bronze casting, timber, steel, stainless steel and aluminium construction. After graduating in Australia, he did a year’s postgraduate study at the New York Studio School. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America studying sculpture from all ages and cultures. He has been represented by Defiance Gallery, Sydney, for 17 years.

Mild steel

Bring an assortment of pieces of mild steel for making your sculptures. Mild steel is the most common metal around us and is the kind that rusts easily if left exposed to the weather. You will be working with mild steel only and need to bring in an assortment of pieces with you. The sculpture department has a small supply of mild steel for demonstration.

You can find off-cuts and refuse from the engineering, manufacturing and building industries. It is available from smaller scrap metal yards, industrial bins (with permission) and rural properties. Machine or car parts containing grease or plastic and heavily painted pieces give off toxic fumes when burnt so are best avoided.

Other materials

• A4 sketchbook or visual diary and drawing media such as pencils/pens
• 2 x P2 grade disposable dust masks, purchased from hardware stores
• Box of disposable gloves
• Riggers Gloves are compulsory

Students must purchase their own gloves for this course due to Covid-19 Health Regulations. They are between $10-15 a pair and can be found at hardwarde stores. Here is a link to Bunnings range of gloves, or Weld Guard Premium Welding Gauntlet, $16.00 from BOC.

The Sculpture Department will provide basic personal protection such as earplugs or muffs, helmets and face guards which will be sanitised before and after use. Your lecturer will discuss the specific Work Health & Safety (WHS) obligations of welding in the first class.