Welding Sculptures

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

*Please note that there is no class on the 8th of June due to the long weekend.

*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.

Jim Croke has been making and exhibiting sculpture for over 40 years. He has held numerous solo exhibitions with May Space and has participated in many group shows. Some years after graduating from the National Art School, Jim undertook postgraduate study at the University of Sydney and UNSW. He has been teaching at the National Art School for 25 years and was Head of Sculpture for seven years.

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
• 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.