Welding Sculptures

Do you want to explore the creative and expressive potential of steel in a unique studio environment? The National Art School’s welded steel Sculpture short course gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the act of making sculpture in the heart of Sydney’s cultural precinct. Learn everything there is to know about welded steel sculpture from the technical processes, formal considerations within historic and aesthetic contexts.

Simon Hodgson instructs students 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: course fee is higher due to safety considerations and limited student numbers.

* 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.

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.

Simon Hodgson is a Sydney-based artist working primarily with welded steel. The focal point of his sculptural practice is an examination of the triangular relationship between the body, landscape and the built environment. Simon has exhibited regularly in commercial and public galleries, and is a regular finalist in sculpture art prizes including Sculpture by the Sea and Sculpture in the Vineyards.

Simon has extensive knowledge of the traditional techniques used in sculptural production, and of the ideas and methods used in both expanded practice and sculptural installations. Simon is the co-founder of Les Sculptures Refusees, an annual outdoor sculpture exhibition held at Q Station, Manly.