CUASCU502
Investigate sculptural materials and processes


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and explore a range of sculptural materials and processes to develop an individual professional style.

It applies to highly skilled visual artists who integrate the use of those different materials and processes explored, to realise a body of creative work which usually includes the creation of three-dimensional (3-D) sculptural forms. They work with a high level of independence seeking mentoring and guidance as required.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research sculptural materials and processes

1.1 Research ways that other artists have used different sculptural materials and processes to achieve different effects, and identify intellectual property requirements

1.2 Research physical properties and capabilities of a range of sculptural materials

1.3 Investigate how different materials and sculptural techniques best combine to achieve different technical effects

1.4 Investigate safety issues associated with different materials and processes

1.5 Collate and store safety and technical data to meet safety requirements for sculpture work

1.6 Determine cost and supply issues for different materials

2. Select sculptural materials and processes for exploration

2.1 Seek and participate in professional discussions about characteristics and opportunities of particular sculptural materials and processes

2.2 Evaluate creative and professional opportunities offered by different sculptural materials and processes for own approach to work

2.3 Identify and assess limitations and constraints of particular materials and processes

2.4 Select a particular range of materials and processes that suit own practice

3. Integrate sculptural materials and processes into own work

3.1 Explore own new and different ways of working with materials and processes to achieve new effects and desired outcomes

3.2 Challenge and stretch the capabilities and uses of different materials and processes through experimentation on samples, practice pieces or a work in progress

3.3 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems with material use

3.4 Develop own ways of working with materials and processes to create individual style

3.5 Develop a coherent body of sculptural work that shows command of selected sculptural materials

3.6 Use safe work practices for handling materials and disposal of waste

4. Manage sculptural materials

4.1 Establish supply of sculptural materials which meets price, quality and delivery expectations

4.2 Develop ways of working with materials that minimise waste

4.3 Maintain quality and maximise shelf-life of sculptural materials through appropriate handling and storage

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

research the properties, capabilities and use of an extensive range of sculptural materials to inform own work practice

create a coherent body of sculptural work which demonstrates:

new or refined ways of working with materials through a process of experimentation

technical proficiency in the use of selected materials and processes

integration of materials and processes into own style

use of safe and sustainable work practices.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe intellectual property considerations relevant to producing sculptural works

identify useful information sources about sculptural materials

describe the physical properties, characteristics, capabilities and storage requirements of a wide range of materials used to create sculpture

describe how different materials and sculptural techniques combine to achieve different technical effects

explain ways to use, adapt, combine and challenge the capabilities of an extensive range of sculptural materials to develop an individual professional style

list suppliers for an extensive range of sculptural materials used in professional practice

explain the function of Safety Data Sheets

explain key safety requirements for sculpture work.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

equipment, tools and materials used to produce sculptures

relevant information sources.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1-1.6

Interprets and evaluates complex and unfamiliar information to identify key information about materials

Oral Communication

2.1

Initiates and participates in complex discussions, using language and non-verbal features appropriate to audience and context

Numeracy

1.6, 4.1

Interprets budgetary constraints and supplier prices and calculates sometimes complex order costs

Navigate the world of work

1.4, 1.5, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3

Takes responsibility for compliance with legal requirements associated with creative work

Interact with others

2.1

Encourages contribution of creative and technical ideas from other artists

Fosters a collaborative approach to professional skills development through sharing and receiving knowledge, experience and information with other artists

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1-3.5, 4.1

Develops plans to build own artistic knowledge and professional style, identifying and responding to issues as they arise

Takes responsibility for completing own research and creative works from design inception to realisation, managing own time and productivity to sequence stages

Manages own decisions about use of materials through research and selection according to interest

Resolves problems with materials technique through practice, experimentation and analysis

Identifies opportunities to use a more innovative approach and personal style


Sectors

Visual communication – sculpture