Career as Sculptor

                             

The tradition of Indian sculpture is the oldest in the world, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization in which people made statues and figures of bronze and stone. Ever since then, Indian sculpture has refined and expanded in scope and established itself as one of the finest in the world. The sculptures in the Ellora caves are India's pride, as are the intricate sculptures that adorn India's temples. But after all this a career in sculpting is unviable and still a lesser know/unpopular career choice. 

 

WHO IS A SCULPTOR AND WHAT DOES HE/SHE SO?

-A sculptor shapes clay, stone, marble, wood, and other materials (even ice and potatoes) into two-or three-dimensional art.

-Some sculptors craft pieces known as kinetic sculptural art, which features light and sound, as well as movement. 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AN SCULPTOR INCLUDES -

Sculptors create artwork to be used in a wide range of places, such as businesses, government buildings, home, lawns, and outdoor parks, just to name a few. When commissioned to sculpt a piece, a sculptor have to-

• Measure the area,
• Perform the mandatory on-site nad off-site research work. 
• Take into consideration the intent of the piece – as a vehicle for expression or a catalyst for discussion.  
• Choose the appropriate materials and tools needed to make their vision or the vision of their clients a reality.
• Begin the design process by sketching, taking photos, and experimenting with materials.
• Many sculptors work within tight deadlines and must also pay close attention to details.

 

SCOPE OF SCULPTING IN TODAY'S DIGITAL TIMES -

Today, contemporary artists work with a number of non-traditional forms of sculpture, including light, sound, ice, and kinetic sculpture, as well as 3-D modeling. 3D modeling, and more specifically, digital sculpting, is a new form of sculpture where users interact with a digital model, much like when modeling clay.  Users pull, pinch, push, and twist “virtual clay” to create a sculpture.

 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN SCULPTURE ARTIST ?

While looking for a job, we search about the responsibilities, scope, qualification etc required for a particular. But we often forget the most important factors  i.e career interest, Aptitude and personality, needed to be considered, while applying for a job. 

Some of the basic aptitude, personality and interest required to succeed in this career are-

INTEREST	APTITUDE	PERSONALITY
Artist           Artistic ability, may be inherent or learned through experience or cultivated while in school.	Formation Sculpture artists must be able to create a 3-dimensional representation of an idea.  Sculpture artists include the abilities to interpret art and connect art and theory.	Imaginative They must be creative thinkers and should be proficient in various art forms, such as 3-dimensional modeling, forging, casting, and woodworking.
		Assertive since sculpture artists may work for themselves, marketing savvy and interpersonal skills can help them build their clientele.

THINK YOU POSSES THE ABOVE QUALITIES?

CLICK HERE-> TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU KNOW YOURSELF AND DISCOVER YOUR HIDDEN ABILITIES

 

HOW TO BECOME A SCULPTURE ARTIST ?

To become a sculptor, there is no specific educational requirement. However, formal training can benefit sculptors in a number of ways. A degree or a diploma can provide opportunities for students to explore otherwise unfamiliar techniques, methods, and materials. 

Becoming a sculptor in India involves a combination of formal education and practical training. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in sculpting:

1. Education: Pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fine Arts or Sculpture from a reputed college or university in India. Some of the popular colleges in India that offer courses in Sculpture include the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, College of Art in Delhi, and Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan.

2. Learn from experienced sculptors: Seek out experienced sculptors in your area and ask them to mentor you. You can also consider joining a sculpting workshop or studio where you can learn from experienced sculptors.

3. Develop your skills: Practice sculpting regularly and work on developing your skills in areas such as clay modeling, wood carving, metal sculpting, and stone carving. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find your niche.

4. Build your portfolio: As you work on your skills, start building a portfolio of your work. This will help you showcase your talent to potential clients and galleries.

5. Networking: Attend art exhibitions, seminars, and workshops to meet other sculptors, art collectors, and curators. Building a network of contacts can help you find job opportunities and sell your work.

6. Market yourself: Create a website or social media profiles to showcase your work and promote your services. You can also consider approaching galleries and art collectors to showcase your work.

7. Becoming a successful sculptor in India requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and talent. However, by following these steps, you can build a rewarding career in sculpting.

 

COLLEGES

Institutions offering courses on sculpturing in India:

Normally sculpture course is offered as Bachelor of Fine Arts with specialization in sculpturing. Some of the popular institutions offering sculpture related courses in India are:

• Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai
• College of Arts, Patna
• College of Arts, Chennai
• College of Arts, New Delhi
• Rajasthan University
• MG Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya
• Indira Kala Sangit University
• Kala Bhawan, Vishwa Bharti
• MS University, Baroda
• Banaras Hindu University
• College of Arts & Culture, Lucknow
• Utkal University of Culture, Orissa.

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES -

Even though, sculpturing is popularly known as a self-employment based area, where in professionals can employ other people too, there are also job opportunities in government and private sector such as-

-Medical colleges either have a separate art unit or a post for sculptors. There, the sculptors need to come up with models of human body parts for teaching purposes.

-Another option is in the teaching arena. The graduates can go as craft or art teachers in educational institutions.

-There are freelance sculptors too who come up with their own creative work and conduct exhibitions. 

- They can also do wall sculptures in buildings and houses for decorative purposes. 

- Galleries, museums, television and film, retail stores, colleges and universities all hire sculptors.

JOB TITLES -

• Sculptor
• Museum curator, 
• Museum technician
• Model Maker
• Figurative/Decorative/Installation Artist
•  Archivist
• Craft & Art teacher
• Clay modeller

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS

• Set Designer
• Industrial designer
• Special Effects Artist, 
• Jeweler or precious stone 
• Creative Director
• Cabinet Maker
• Custom Furniture Designers
• Furniture Finisher
• Exhibit Designer

To keep exploring, head on to our page on career banks and blogs on different careers, Entrance Exams, Courses, College, jobs, etc.