...and hello by the way, Im Helen.
I have an idea for a sculpture which Im dying to create however Im not really an artist (unless you count A level art 13 years ago!) - Im actually a (very bored and frustrated) junior doctor. I have no idea what steps I take about sourcing materials, let alone finding a bit of space in which to work. Also - I have very little money.
What does someone with an idea, plenty of passion but no formal artistic training do about making the idea into reality?
I guess I start with sketches then maybe fashion a mini demo model from bought craft materials and then look for support re making a full scale model. Are there funds for people like me that I can apply for?
Any suggestions?

Hi Helen - well I know very little about sculpture but always have wanted to try - my son bought me a starter kit for xmas and its has two pieces of soap stone to be trying . I think it was from Jacksons - i'll have a quick look....
no its great art
http://www.greatart.co.uk/SOAPSTONE%20S ... e-sets.htm

might do to start and then buy more tools and bigger bits of stone? soap stone is fairly easy to start with but messy - i've had to wait for good weather so i can do it outside!! but maybe you've a garage or something?
as for funding - no idea -sorry but i'd think it unlikely. i tried to get sponsorship for a cahrity aret comp last year and it was like getting blood out of a stone from most places but luckily a few good Co's came up with prizes. Times are hard and it seems everyone wants to hang on to their money..

Helen

Why don't you go to your local library, look for some art books on sculpture then buy some basic student art materials from (as Jeannie suggests) Jacksons or ArtDiscount? The Works can be good too for cheap materials if you're experimenting.

Art materials generally don't need to cost a lot in themselves, it's the time and energy you expend in doing something with them which are for most of us the scarce resource - if you're a doctor 13 years out of school I imagine that time is in shorter supply than cash for art materials.

As you describe yourself and your aspirations I can't see why you should expect (or need) funding externally, generally speaking we all have to make our own way in life. My advice would be to start small, take things one step at a time and build it up from there.

Elise

Hi Helen,
I think if you go to http://www.about.com and put in how to start a Sculpture you will get lots of information and sometimes some short video clips, the other thing to do is go to your local Adult education center and they should be able to point you in the right direction as regards grants and sponsors or just punch in sculpture into your google search engine, you will be surprised what it will come up with. Happy hunting.

Thanks for your advice everyone!!
Thinking about it - the materials I will need will be relatively cheap - which will a least allow me to try a mini model to see if technically the idea is possible.
As Elize rightly points out - time is a big problem. Money - no more than anyone else i suppose - but I did only qualify from Medicine 18months ago. As a school leaver I was an artist! - the last 13 years have been spent working/funding/studying (science Alevels, a BSc and finally the medicine degree) - the truly trulyembarrassing and really terrible thing is - having done all that - now Im a doc - I really wish Id stuck with the original plan of going to art school! What an idiot!
Anyway - Im grateful to you for your suggestions
Love Helen

Helen.
Doctor or not,just go with your heart.
No matter what you do for a living doesnt meant you cant be an artist.
I was in a simular situation to you years ago,i chose to pay the bills and dropped out of art college and got a job but im still painting regardless.
So my advice is just do it,art comes from within,not a college or university.
I wish you all the best

Welcome and Good luck just jump in and have a go.look forward to seeing your first sculpture soon.

OK!
Thanks - you're all lovely
H x

Hi Helen and welcome,
I missed this one, away in St Ives. If you are still not sure where to start, I am happy to help with technical/resource tips if it falls into my expertise but need to have some idea of form. For starters, if you are looking at a solid form playing with a clay to give the idea some shape is a good start because it is so forgiving to changes. A bag of stoneware or earthenware modelling clay (an all rounder for schools) will cost between 8 to 12 pounds. If you can't access a clay supplier try an art shop who should stock modelling clay. Go for the biggest they do it will be far more cost effective. Failing that, Plasticine. Pound shops or similar often have in stock. Wire mesh and paper mache works well too and very cheap.

Good luck Helen [www.helen-nock.co.uk]