Speaking Through Objects

Class Date:  Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th January

Class Time:  10:00am - 2:00pm

With Tutor: Carrie Burke

A Two-Day Assemblage Sculpture Workshop with Carrie Burke

What happens when everyday objects are brought together in unexpected ways? A discarded ornament, a treasured memento, a piece of fabric or an unusual found object can take on an entirely new meaning when combined with something else.

In this playful, hands-on sculpture workshop, you'll explore the art of assemblage — creating three-dimensional artworks by bringing together found objects, materials and personal treasures.

Discover how objects can tell stories, evoke memories, challenge expectations or simply delight the imagination. Through experimentation with materials, composition and construction techniques, you'll learn to see familiar things in surprising new ways.

Whether you want to create a small personal treasure box, an expressive sculptural statement or something wonderfully whimsical, this workshop invites you to follow your curiosity and see where your ideas take you.

No previous sculpture experience is needed. This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike.

What You'll Learn:

Over two days, you'll explore:

• The art of assemblage: How everyday objects and found materials can be transformed into meaningful sculptural artworks.
• Objects as a visual language: How materials, associations and unexpected combinations can communicate ideas, emotions and stories.
• Creative composition: How to arrange, balance and combine objects to create interesting relationships and new meanings.
• Construction techniques: Practical ways to attach, connect and assemble different materials using wire, adhesives, fixings and tools.
• Safe tool use: Techniques and best practices for working confidently with a range of hand tools and materials.
• Experimentation and expression: How to work intuitively, respond to emerging ideas and develop your own sculptural approach.
  

What You'll Create:

You'll develop your own unique assemblage sculpture, using a combination of found objects, personal treasures and materials provided during the workshop.

Your finished work might be a small sculptural collection of memories, a personal treasure box, an expressive statement piece or an imaginative creation that celebrates the unexpected.

There's no single right outcome — the possibilities are as varied as the objects and ideas you bring together.

What to Bring:

• A sketchbook and pencil for developing ideas.
• A selection of found objects, natural or manufactured materials that interest or inspire you.
• Personal mementos, ornaments, fabric, interesting fixings or other items you'd like to incorporate.
• Any boxes, frames, wooden supports or pre-made forms you'd like to work with.
  

You may discover that additional finishing materials, such as a particular paint colour, would enhance your work. These can be considered as your project develops.

What Will Be Provided:

A broad collection of three-dimensional materials will be available to inspire and support your creations, along with a range of construction and attachment supplies.

These include wire, cord, adhesives, glue guns, nails, nuts and bolts, as well as access to tools such as scissors, pliers, drills and rotary tools.

Some paints, inks and finishing materials will also be available, along with an optional small cardboard box to use as a starting point.

Meet Your Tutor:

Carrie Burke is a practising sculptor and jeweller, and a graduate of The Learning Connexion, where she completed a Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Art and Creativity.

Her work has been exhibited in New Zealand, including Shapeshifter 2016 and with the Fishbowl Collective, as well as internationally through the World Art Games organisation.

Alongside her artistic practice, Carrie has helped deliver and lead creative, hands-on workshops throughout New Zealand. Her experience in the contracting industry has also broadened her practical skills and expanded her creative toolkit.

Carrie encourages experimentation, resourcefulness and the creative possibilities that emerge when familiar techniques are applied in new ways.

"It doesn't matter where you picked up a specific creative process, what matters is how else you can apply it! A technique is just an experiment that worked." — Carrie Burke

Can Anyone Do This Class?

Yes! As stated above, no previous sculpting experience is required. This workshop is suitable for all levels, and absolutely beginner-friendly. If you love being creative, you’ll fit right in.

This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!