Welding Sculptures

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

David Horton 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.

* Note: The course fee for welding reflects the limited number of students permitted due to safety considerations and the extended hours of this course.

* Welding Sculptures is suitable for students aged 18 years and over. 

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below. 

David Horton is a contemporary sculptor who uses a modernist aesthetic to create strong and lyrical compositions and dialogues through the use of materials such as metal and steel. Horton has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the National Art School (NAS) in Sydney and is committed to teaching the next generation of Australian sculptors.

Horton has exhibited in Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi over many years and has won several prestigious prizes in Australian sculpture over the past decade including Transfield Holdings Artist Grant Recipient in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi (2019); first prize Sydney Airport 2000 Sculpture Award (1999); first prize Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi (2007) and the highly coveted National Helen Lempriere Sculpture Award for Emerging Artist (2010). David’s sculptures are in the collection of several regional galleries and private collections across Australia.

David is represented by Australian Galleries and his most recent exhibition was called Table Pieces and Works on Paper (2020).

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

Mild steel (not galvanised or stainless 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 
• Safety glasses 
• Riggers Gloves are compulsory  

Students must purchase their own gloves for this course. They are between $10-15 a pair and can be found at hardware 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. Your lecturer will discuss the specific Work Health & Safety (WHS) obligations of welding in the first class. 

All students are required to wear protective clothing and footwear: 

• Long sleeve cotton shirt (no tears or open neck) 
• Long pants - denim jeans are ideal (no tears or holes) 
• No synthetic clothing 
• Covered leather shoes - boots are ideal