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Artisan, Artist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in synthesizing ideas to create artistic forms from metal, stone and other materials in order to express ideas, feelings and moods by shaping, carving and sculpting materials such as clay, ice, paper, stone, wood and metal
Interest in precision working to carve and shape materials to desired forms using hand and power tools, welding and metalworking equipment, and masonry tools
Interest in speaking with models when directing them to pose; and in using established techniques of sculpting and arranging objects for compositions
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
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.
Some sculptors design their work entirely on a computer using 3-dimensional (3D) software and fabricate their sculptures with digital tools. For example, they might use computer numeric controls or CNC machines, 3D printers or computer-controlled laser cutters. Others may create the design using software and then use conventional methods to produce the work.
Digital tools allow sculptors to:
Sculptures range in size from a small coin to several hundred acres of “live art.” Today’s sculptors experiment in new and emerging areas using different materials, installation techniques and mixed-media applications. In some cases, sculptors enlist the help of engineers, mechanics and other technical experts.
Many sculptors study different techniques and experiment with 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 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.
Sculptors need:
They should enjoy working independently.
There are no formal education requirements for sculptors. However, they need:
Prospective sculptors should look for education programs that offer the best blend of technical and creative course materials for their particular interests and needs. Some galleries prefer to feature sculptors who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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 artwork alone. Many cover living costs and studio rent by:
Buyers may commission sculptures, or sculptors may sell their work in retail markets or through agents. They also may display their art in:
Sculptors may market their work electronically through television or the internet. Sometimes, filmmakers 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 1 gallery representative per city.
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts 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 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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 50% to 70%.
A few well-established sculptors hire agents to handle marketing, bookkeeping and sales transactions. Agents may take a 20% to 40% commission.
Alberta Foundation for the Arts website: www.affta.ab.ca
Canada Council for the Arts website: canadacouncil.ca
Sculptors Society of Canada (SSC) website: www.sculptorssocietyofcanada.org
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Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.