Prisoner
Brian Cast
cast glass, steel

Scholar's Muse
Brian Cast
mixed media

On Teaching

     "Overall, I teach with three main objectives.  First comes teaching the technical necessities of sculpture and establishing a performance level. Second, I believe in engendering an historical awareness. Young artists should understand that their work is part of a progression of ideas; that they begin in a specific time and place, in an historical context. I expect students to become familiar with the prominent sculptors of art history, particularly those of the 20th century, since those artists' work is closest to ours in the evolution of form. Third, I push students to find out what they can do, according to who they are and what they have to contribute.

     Visual art can broadly be defined as the communication of ideas through a visual language. Sculpture is basically a combination of physics and philosophy. Beginning sculpture is structured to provide a working knowledge of basic materials (clay, plaster, wood, stone, steel, aluminum, and bronze), and techniques (modeling, mold-making, carving, welding, and casting). Constant questioning, reading, and looking at other artists' work helps develop visual literacy. The foundation laid, advanced students are expected to pursue a personal direction, whether from direct observation, inner vision, or protest. The work itself is the artists' voice, evidence of intellect, energy and invention. Through directed study, I plan an agenda of research and work for each student, depending on interest. Drawing, an integral part of all my courses, is used as a valuable tool for developing ideas and as a means of direct communication between student and instructor. Writing assignments get students to analyze their intentions and expand their own research. Critiques are scheduled periodically to discuss formal aspects and conceptual issues.

SCULPTURE is no longer limited to the traditional media of clay, plaster, stone, and bronze. Post-Modern works are being created in every material imaginable and each has several methodologies. This requires a broad variety of technical ability, presenting one of the more demanding aspects of teaching sculpture today and one for which I am well qualified. My teaching is characterized by a high level of energy and enthusiasm. I like to conduct much of my own research in the classroom. This input of new information keeps the educational process fresh and benefits students in their own studio work. I strongly believe in growth through work, and education through investigation, change, and exposure in order to inspire inventiveness and complement private vision.

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Sculpture Pour

My THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN classes are intended to involve students in a dialogue with material, form, and space. By using a variety of materials and construction methods, the student realizes the creative potential of three dimensional forming, and better understands the concepts used in designing objects, buildings, and spaces. A heightened sensitivity for three dimensional form and composition is a major goal of every project. Solid foundations buttress later experiences, whether they are in sculpture or another discipline where form and space are primary concerns."

About Cast

Cast has an active exhibition record in National and International Competitions. He won the "Grand Award", Best of Show, in the National Sculpture Exhibition at the San Diego Art Institute and the "Juror's Choice" at the Contemporary Artists of the Northwest Exhibition at Boise State University and participated in the Texas International Sculpture Competition. During his sabbatical in 1996 he won a Residency at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts.

Check out these interesting Sculpture Links

• Sculpture Society of Ireland
• Minnesota State University Sculpture Gardens
• Resources for Metal Sculpture
• Other Sculpture Organizations
• International Sculpture Center

Last updated 06/22/07