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Dry construction sculpture - EduqasModels and maquettes

Dry construction uses dry materials, eg card or wire, instead of wet materials such as clay. These can be used to create sculptures varying in scale and form.

Part of Art and DesignSculpture

Models and maquettes

Once the designs are done, an artist might make a small-scale practice piece, called a model or . This could be made from a different material to the final sculpture.

A sculpture of rabbits with human heads, and dogs
Image caption,
Maquette by artist Sophie Ryder for her large-scale bronze sculpture.
Bronze sculpture of rabbits with human heads, and dogs in a high street
Image caption,
Sophie Ryder鈥檚 bronze sculpture, made for the Cirencester Hare Festival.

Choosing the right materials

Sculptures can be made out of a wide range of materials. Sculptors may enjoy working in one material and use this for all their work. Some sculptors like to explore different materials for different pieces.

Click through the slideshow to see sculptures made from different materials:

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 3, Sculpture of a steam train made from scrap metal, This steam locomotive sculpture has been made out of scrap metal.

Planning and making stage

A box of old worn chisels with wooden handles

After the designs are completed and the model or maquette has been made, the next step is to plan the work before the making stage.

There are some key things to think about when planning:

  • the size and scale of the piece
  • the materials that will be used
  • the cost of creating the piece
  • the tools needed
  • any health and safety requirements
  • the materials needed for final touches and the finish
  • time and space for drying if needed
Hands holding a paintbrush and a soap carving of a camera. More  soap carvings on a table
Image caption,
Soap is cheap and does not need expensive tools - just a butter knife or spoon.