Advanced Steel Sculpture offers experienced welding students the opportunity to further develop their technical skills while focusing on the aesthetic possibilities of steel sculpture. Designed for students who have completed two or more terms of Welding Sculpture in our eight-week term program, this course supports the development of individual sculptural ideas through both practical and conceptual exploration. Students with equivalent experience gained elsewhere are encouraged to contact us prior to enrolment.

Led by Martin John Oldfield, the course builds a deeper understanding of welded steel sculpture from technical, historical and artistic perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to refine their skills in oxy-acetylene, plasma cutting, arc (manual metal arc) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding, while learning methods for joining, cutting, shaping, grinding and bending steel. Through demonstrations and project-based learning, participants will gain the confidence and technical knowledge needed to create more resolved and ambitious sculptural works.

* Note: The course fee for welding reflects the limited number of students permitted due to safety considerations.
* Welding Sculptures is suitable for students aged 18 years and over.
* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

Mild steel (not galvanised or stainless steel) 

Bring an assortment of pieces of mild steel for making your sculptures. Mild steel is the most common metal around us and is the kind that rusts easily if left exposed to the weather. You will be working with mild steel only and need to bring in an assortment of pieces with you. The sculpture department has a small supply of mild steel for demonstration. 

You can find off-cuts and refuse from the engineering, manufacturing and building industries. It is available from smaller scrap metal yards, industrial bins (with permission) and rural properties. Machine or car parts containing grease or plastic and heavily painted pieces give off toxic fumes when burnt so are best avoided. 

Other materials 

• A4 sketchbook or visual diary and drawing media such as pencils/pens (optional)
• Riggers Gloves are compulsory  

Students must purchase their own gloves for this course. They are between $10-15 a pair and can be found at hardware stores. Here is a link to Bunnings range of gloves, or Weld Guard Premium Welding Gauntlet, $16.00 from BOC. 

The Sculpture Department will provide basic personal protection such as earplugs or muffs, helmets and face guards. Your lecturer will discuss the specific Work Health & Safety (WHS) obligations of welding in the first class. 

All students are required to wear protective clothing and footwear: 

• Long sleeve cotton shirt (no tears or open neck) 
• Long pants - denim jeans are ideal (no tears or holes) 
• No synthetic clothing 
• Covered leather shoes - boots are ideal