Figurative Willow Sculpture - Female form
Taking your willow sculpting to the next level - mastering shape and form
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In this NEW flagship online course I will teach you how to sculpt a life sized figurative female form from willow rods. In this step by step guide I will steer you through the whole process, from the initial preparation of the willow; building a simple armature and then through all the different weaving techniques and methods needed to follow my unique sculpting style.
Over the last 20 years I've been working with willow i have taught thousands of people from far and wide. Not everyone who wants to learn willow sculpture is able to travel to my workshops due to time, distance and financial constraints. This is why I decided to compile all this information into online courses so you can learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home.
This online course is another first of it's kind! and joins our other courses which form a series of educational online experiences created by Willowtwisters, Sara & Hanna Holmes. Our other courses guide you through beginner & intermediate willow sculpting where you can learn how to make a willow sphere & a life sized willow deer.
This new course takes you a stage further, using previous sculpting techniques to negotiate the subtle shapes, contours and form of the human figure.
In a series of easy to follow video tutorials, clips & slides, online discussions and downloadable workbooks.
Learn about:
- Tools and equipment
- Willow types, sourcing and preparation of your willow
- Research methods, sketching and tracing practice
- Creating a simple armature
- Creating the understructure leading more systemised weaving techniques
- Sculpting techniques - Individual lessons which take you through the formation of each part of the body
- Adding volume where desired or required
- Finishing touches and after care - how to prolong the life of your newly created masterpiece!
‘I have just completed a most wonderful couple of days starting to learn about the wonderful craft of willow weaving. I had been looking forward to the course for some time but could not have anticipated what a wonderful experience it turned out to be. Sara is a super teacher who engages encouragingly ..demonstrating the processes step by step ..
It was the best couple of days I’ve had in a long time!
Thank you Sara!’
Many thanks
Jane Weir
'I am delighted with the willow..course I recently purchased. The instructions and attention to detail .. are excellent... very pleased with the results.'
Amanda Woodruff
Who this course is for
- You will have preferably had some experience of willow sculpture or any type of sculptural application of a natural material.
- If you have some experience working with willow such as basketry, you will enjoy this course and learn how to use willow rods in a more free weave way. You will develop your current skills and learn new ones which you will be able to adapt and transfer to further projects independently if you wish.
- You will need to allow yourself about 5/6 free days to complete the sculpture in this course. Consecutive days would be ideal but obviously not always practical for most people. You will need to consider this when you plan the soaking/preparation of your willow. Careful attention to the tips and advice in the workbook for the preparation lesson will ensure you don't waste willow by soaking too much at a time.
Benefits of taking an online course in willow sculpture
- Learn and work at your own pace. Log in and out at your leisure and access the course as many times as you want.
- Create your sculpture at home! No need to travel miles to access an expert teacher, Sara will join you virtually in the comfort of your own space at home.
- The volume of detail is far greater than Sara would ever be able to impart in a single day at a live workshop
- Save yourself time trawling the internet trying to work out how to get started. This curriculum has everything you need to know.
- Set your own schedule to enjoy this relaxing and therapetuic experience.
Your Instructor
Sara has worked as a freelance artist for many years. Working mainly as a sculptor her body of work has included some large-scale pieces of public art as well as many private commissions. Working with the environment has involved the extensive use of willow withies as a medium in much of her work. At times, she has stretched this medium to its limit with the intricate detail she has achieved. Always experimenting with new materials her main focus and inspiration comes from working with natural, sustainable materials.
As well as public projects and private commissions Sara has worked extensively in schools, colleges, and community projects across several counties. As a tool for educating people she believes all learning can be embedded into sensory, creative actions. By using natural and sustainable materials as a medium she is certain that environmental awareness can be taught through the tactile and tangible involvement with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not take a look at this FREE handy e-Book which details where to source the materials needed to create the willow sculpture in this course!
The information in this e-Book is intended to help you source materials before you purchase an online course with us.
There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to get going with a project and you don’t know how or where to find the materials you need!
We hope this e-book will provide you with some useful links to suppliers and what to ask for!
Also, if you happen know of any that haven't been listed in this book then please let us know and we'll add them !
CLICK HERE FOR 'SOURCING WILLOW & MATERIALS' CHECKLIST