Sculptors create original three-dimensional artworks in traditional media (for example, wood, clay, metal, stone) and nontraditional media (for example, sound and virtual reality).

The boundaries between categories in the visual arts are much less distinct today than they once were. Traditionally, sculptors have used materials such as stone, bronze, concrete, wood, clay and plaster. Today, many sculptors use materials and methods normally associated with other disciplines. For example, they may work in, and experiment with, photography, metals of all kinds, fired ceramics, electricity, video and digital media, sound, wax, ice, plastics, performance art, fibre, textiles and other materials. They may produce only one or a limited number of copies of each piece of work.

Sculptures range in size from a small coin to several hundred acres of "live art." There are many new and emerging areas as sculptors experiment with new materials, installation techniques and mixed media applications. In some cases, sculptors employ the assistance of engineers, mechanics and other technical experts.

Many sculptors study different techniques and experiment with different materials on an ongoing basis. They keep up to date with what is going on in the art world by reading and attending exhibitions at art galleries.

Sculptors' working conditions vary with their media. They may use a variety of hand tools and power tools. Some materials and tools require attention to safety practices to prevent injury.

Studios may be clean and well ventilated, or they may have less than ideal working conditions. Flying particles, falling objects, fumes, heat and chemicals are common occupational hazards. Sculptors may work at home, wherever large pieces are situated or in studios located in artist-run centres or warehouses.

The work can be physically demanding. Lifting requirements vary depending on the medium.

There are no formal education requirements for sculptors. However, they need:

• some knowledge of art history, composition and contemporary art criticism
• a portfolio of their best work (good quality slides, digital images in a CD or DVD format, or a website with biographical information, images of artwork and other relevant information)
• training in the safe use of materials, tools and equipment
• small business skills (marketing and financial management skills in particular).

Prospective sculptors should look for education programs that have the best blend of technical and creative course materials for their particular interests and needs.

In Alberta, fine art programs are offered by the following post-secondary institutions: 

• Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary 
• Grande Prairie Regional College
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray
• Medicine Hat College
• Red Deer College
• University of Alberta in Edmonton and Camrose 
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge.

Admission requirements vary from one institution to another but generally include English Language Arts 30-1 and four other appropriate Grade 12 subjects. Some institutions specify a minimum acceptable average (ranging from 60 to 80 per cent) and/or submission of a portfolio of previous work. For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

The Banff Centre for the Arts offers winter and summer programs for experienced sculptors. A portfolio and a statement of learning objectives are required.

Sculptors may receive commissions or fees paid in advance that allow them to buy materials and cover some living expenses while they finish a site-specific or major work. However, few sculptors can support themselves on their art work alone. Many teach recreational, secondary school or post-secondary courses; work in foundries; do related work such as mass production design or mould making; or work in other fields to cover their living costs and studio rent.

Sculptures may be commissioned by special request, or sold in retail markets or through agents. Sculptors may display their art in:

• galleries and museums
• restaurants and clubs
• office buildings and public spaces
• parks, exhibit grounds and international expositions.

They also may market their work electronically through television or the Internet. Sometimes, film makers rent available ready-made sculptures.

Emerging sculptors can get a start by entering art competitions, art festivals or arranging their own shows in their homes or artist-run centres. Before approaching gallery owners, sculptors should do some research to identify galleries that have a style compatible with their own. Sculptors usually have one gallery representative per city.

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council purchase artworks and offer grants for promising sculptors to enable them to study and work for a few months or a year at a time.

Sculptors are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists. In Alberta, 83 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Most sculptors work in other occupations to support themselves. Some sculptors receive commissions or fees paid in advance that allow them to buy materials and cover some living expenses while they finish site-specific or major works.

Sculpture prices vary considerably depending on the sculptor's reputation, size of the piece, materials used and availability of the sculptor's work. Most galleries deduct a commission ranging from 30 to 60 per cent.

A few well established sculptors hire agents to handle marketing, bookkeeping and sales transactions. Agents may add or deduct a 20 to 40 per cent commission.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists group earned from $13.94 to $29.33 an hour. The average wage was $22.91 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Sculptors Society of Canada (SSC) website: www.cansculpt.org