Sculptor Career Information
"Sculpture is a part of Fine Arts. Sculptors try to express a specific and unique vision through their sculpture. They design three-dimensional art works-either by moulding and joining materials such as clay, glass, wire, plastic, fabric, or metal or by cutting and carving forms from a block of plaster, wood, or stone. Some sculptors combine various materials to create mixed-media works.
What a Sculptor does
In recent years, some sculptors have incorporated light, sound, and motion into their works.
As a Sculptor, you will use your hands to give shape to your thoughts. Material like stone, wood, clay, plaster of Paris or metals such as bronze will be your resources. Computers, lasers, sound, plastics, fibre and textiles are some other materials you could dabble with. Successful sculptors continually study and learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, keep abreast with world trends and attend art gallery exhibitions.
As a Sculptor, you could also take up pottery and create designer pots. You'll keep yourself busy with throwing, glazing and firing pots. Many potters consider pottery as more of a lifestyle than a career even though they may have their wares located across the nation in speciality shops or art studios.
Job Opportunities
As a sculptor, you could design themes for world-wide events, seasons, specific promotions or a particular message. Sculpting is not a career, which can be taken up off-hand. It is an art that has more to do with in-born talent.
Initially in the beginning you will have to assist a well known sculptor. After some year's experience you can branch out on your own. As a Sculptor, you can also work as an art critic. Art and culture is getting increasing attention in the media these days. As a Sculptor, you could even write features and articles for newspapers and magazines. As a Sculptor, you can also earn money by being a freelancer. But remember only a small number of artists can make a living by sculpting alone. So you might have to find an alternative source of income.
Career Prospects
The methods and mediums of art may change, but the intention has remained the same: To reinvent, to communicate in a new and fascinating way. In the future, the role that art plays will not change drastically, but painting, photography, sketching, sculpting, metalworking, and many other mediums will be joined by computer art.
This is an industry where your reputation counts a lot. You need to produce work that creates hype and buzz in the artistic community. Your contacts in the advertising business and art dealers should get you steady amount of work. Be prepared for a lot of frustration though. You may not always get what you want.
Abilities & Traits Required
The most essential traits in this field are:
• Talent
• A strong desire to express your feelings in art form
• Dedication
• An eye for form
• Ability to utilise colours
• Creativity
• Originality
• Patience
Qualifications
History is rife with examples of self-schooled artists with no formal educational training who are both brilliant and innovative; unfortunately, history is also rife with examples of starving artists, dying in obscurity. Formal educational training in this field is becoming the norm.
You can go for a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA). It is a four-year degree program segmented into two courses, namely Foundation course (1 year) and specialisation course (3 years). Further professional study can be pursued through a Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) programme usually spanning over two years. Eligibility for joining BFA is HSC. Diploma in Fine Arts is another option for you.
Salary
Though this profession doesn't pay too well the reason why people choose to join the unremunerative and very selective fine arts--is because they love what they do.
Initially you'll have to start your career by presenting your works to people for free! You could exhibit your work in a gallery and earn anything between Rs 5000 - 9000 on an individual piece of work.
Gradually, this could move on to the 10000 - 30000 bracket. Once your work is recognized then an individual piece could cost up to Rs 2 Lakh or more. Good, no?