In October 2025, BilbaoArte will offer the course “Resources for Contemporary Creation I: Methods and Techniques Applied to Sculptural Reproduction.” Taught by Adrián Castañeda, it consists of four modules with two sessions of three hours each.
This course, which explores modeling, molding, and reproduction techniques applied to artistic projects, introduces the process of reproducing, copying, and multiplying different objects, pieces, or motifs. These techniques have been inextricably linked to sculpture since its origins, as they are basic processes for transferring sculptures from a transitional material to a final one.
The history of these techniques and their materials has evolved parallel to the history of art, but today, more than ever, we have the opportunity to create countless projects of high formal complexity thanks to the emergence of new materials and technological resources.
The course content is divided into four modules, each consisting of two sessions of three hours each. In the first section, we will analyze the real needs of artists regarding their projects. Based on the different needs of attendees, we will be able to adapt the content in detail. The priority will be the technical resolution of problems arising from these processes in the artists’ production, beyond providing a syllabus for each day.
Course details
MODULE 1. (October 20 and 21, 2025) 3h + 3h
THE MODEL: We will start with an original, of any kind, defined by the needs of the attending artists and their projects. We will be able to choose between producing the complete original using clay, wax, professional clay, or direct polystyrene carving techniques; using our own body as a model with various options for copying its different parts; or searching for and preparing a suitable object to replicate (taking into account limitations in shape, surface, and basic needs).
MODULE 2. (October 22 and 23, 2025) 3h + 3h
MOLDS: Molds can basically be classified into two main groups: rigid and flexible.
These two large groups encompass all possible sub-variants, which are basically those that follow the number of pieces that are involved in the mould, ending with the type of model to which the mould is applied. Thus, different cases can occur: rigid moulds with one, two or several pieces in relief and in round shape, or flexible moulds with one, two or several pieces in relief and in round shape.
MODULE 3. (October 27 and 28, 2025) 3h + 3h
FILLINGS: After obtaining a final mold, we delve into the many possible materials for filling it. From the classics, concrete, plaster, or wax (for later casting), to chemical products such as resin, silicone, or latex, with all their possible combinations.
MODULE 4. (October 29 and 30, 2025) 3h + 3h
REVIEW AND FINISHING: Once the filling material has cured, we move on to the demolding phase. If we have correctly applied the release agents and the mold design is free of snags, we should not encounter any complications. After releasing the piece from the mold, there are endless finishing options depending on the type of material chosen.
COURSE DETAILS
Type: An introductory course on modeling, molding, and reproduction techniques applied to artistic projects.
Duration: 8 sessions, 3 hours each, from Monday to Thursday.
Date: October 20-30.
Schedule: Afternoon.
Course cost: €100. Scholarship holders, former scholarship holders, and users of the BilbaoArte Foundation: €50.
Number of participants: Maximum 10 participants.
A certificate of participation will be issued at the end of the course.
Registration: By October 10. Those interested in participating in the course must attach a CV and three recent photos to the registration form. Applications should be sent to the BilbaoArte Foundation via email: bilbaoarte@bilbao.eus.
Registration: Participant selection will be announced and registration payment will be requested starting October 11.