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Artisan, Artist, Carver, Caster, Ceramicist, Metal Worker, Modeller, Potter, Smith, Wood Worker
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 that can be physically manipulated or shaped by processes such as:
Sculptors may work with traditional materials, such as stone, bronze, glass, concrete, wood, clay and plaster. Today, many sculptors use or incorporate 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 computer aided design (CAD) software, then fabricate their sculptures with digital tools. For example, they might use computer numeric controlled (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 can 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, programmers, mechanics and other technical experts.
Kinetic sculptures are ones that do not remain stationary; they move or change according to external forces applied, such as wind, sun, rain or temperature. They may also move due to winding up, dropping or moving a part to initiate mechanical reactions from the rest of the piece. Some modern sculptors strive to involve the audience in kinetic works. Instead of treating the viewer as a passive observer of a piece, some sculptures are meant to be touched, played with and can even change or react uniquely according to audience interactions with it.
Many sculptors study different techniques and experiment with materials and processes 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, sharp tools, 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 and with others, finding innovative ways to present ideas, and using a methodical approach to tasks.
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:
Private buyers or public works committees may commission sculptures, or sculptors may sell their work in retail markets, from their home studios or through agents. They also may display their art in:
Sculptors may market or promote their work through online digital media. 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:
In Alberta, the 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 57 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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
Alberta Society of Artists website: www.albertasocietyofartists.com
Canada Council for the Arts website: canadacouncil.ca
Sculptors’ Association of Alberta website: sculptors-alberta.com
Sculptors Society of Canada (SSC) website: www.sculptorssocietyofcanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 20, 2021. 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.