Beyond the Surface – Shape, construct, and experiment with materials

Unlock creativity through sculpture, texture, and 3D expression!

Register your interest
The word 'BBQ' with the two 'B's in dark blue and the 'Q' in blue, with green and blue splashes integrated into the letters.
A black background with neon green ink splatter and a line of white text that reads "Stay Composed".
Black and white illustration of a child and an adult holding hands, with the word 'adults' in blue cursive text below.

Beyond the Surface – Shape, construct, and experiment with materials (Adults 18+)

4-class online package (each about 60–90 minutes) OR in-person workshops in Dagenham (each 90 minutes)

Uncover the expressive potential of sculpture by working hands-on with clay, wire, wood, and found materials. Over four sessions, you’ll explore shape, texture, and construction, learning how surfaces and structures tell stories and carry emotion. Guided by reflections and artist inspirations, you’ll build confidence in 3D thinking, discover new ways to transform everyday materials, and create a finished sculptural piece that reflects your personal vision and identity.

Mixed media artwork made from various colorful objects, forming a face with an eye, nose, and mouth. Includes a yellow sock, green button, orange cone, orange plastic hand, and other repurposed items.

  • BoboAdults Art Classes – Introductory Offer

    • 4-Class Package: £72 (£18 per session)

    • 8-Class Package: £128 (£16 per session)

    • Each session is 90 minutes in duration.

    • All standard materials and an apron are included in the price.

    Introductory Offer – Limited Time Only!
    Special package prices available until 31 October 2025.
    Spaces are limited — register early to secure your spot!
    Offer valid for new and returning customers. Terms & Conditions apply.
    Read full Terms & Conditions

  • Warm-up:

    • Blind contour drawing of a simple object → translate into quick clay sketches.

    Exploration:

    • Work with clay and wire to build simple abstract forms.

    • Focus on negative space, balance, and proportion.

    Concept:

    • Form as language. How do shapes interact in space?

    • Artist link: Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore.

    Outcome:

    Participants gain confidence in shaping 3D forms and seeing sculpture as a dialogue between solid and void.

  • Warm-up:

    • Texture hunt: make rubbings of natural and manmade surfaces around the studio.

    Exploration:

    • Experiment with plaster, fabric, cardboard, and found objects.

    • Explore carving, imprinting, wrapping, and layering.

    Concept:

    • Surface tells a story. Contrast smooth vs rough, natural vs artificial.

    • Artist link: Louise Nevelson, El Anatsui.

    Outcome:

    Participants discover how textures transform meaning and bring emotional depth to sculpture.

  • Warm-up:

    • “Rapid Build”: assemble a small sculpture in 10 minutes with random materials.

    Exploration:

    • Work with wood, wire, and recycled materials.

    • Learn simple joining methods (tying, gluing, slotting).

    • Create a small assemblage inspired by personal memory or abstract idea.

    Concept

    • Sculpture as storytelling and metaphor through materials.

    • Artist link: Louise Bourgeois, Cornelia Parker.

    Outcome:

    Participants explore personal narrative and discover how material choices influence expression.

  • Warm-up:

    • Guided reflection: “If your inner landscape had a shape, what would it look like?” Sketch and share.

    Exploration:

    • Create a resolved 3D piece combining techniques from previous sessions.

    • Option to integrate text, found objects, or symbolic elements.

    Concept:

    • Sculpture as self-expression and identity.

    • Artist link: Antony Gormley, Phyllida Barlow.

    Outcome:

    Participants leave with a finished sculpture that embodies their personal vision and confidence in 3D expression.

Abstract geometric art with various colored wooden blocks and shapes arranged on a wooden base, featuring circles, rectangles, triangles, and semi-circles.
Colorful assortment of small textured art pieces with yarn, string, and craft materials arranged on a white background.

Register your interest

(Registering your interest is free and without obligation — it simply ensures you’ll be the first to hear when enrolments open.)