Studio G offers sculpture classes to anyone interested in learning how to sculpt  creatively  and enjoyably.

No previous sculpting experience is required. Students will be taught the basics irrespective of their background.

Classes are small and limited to  a few students per class. This ensures that individual attention can be paid to each student.

At Studio G students are taught the basics they need to know in order to make their own sculptures in accordance to Gerhard's systematic approach to sculpting.

During the course participants will be taught how to make an armature (the sub-structure of a clay sculpture), sculpt with clay using different techniques and ultimately different options on how to preserve their sculptures. Gerhard also offers mold-making classes to those interested in casting their sculptures.

The subject matter of the classes is the human form and the material used is traditional sculpting clay. New students will typically start by making a clay torso, either male or female. Thereafter other subject matters can be explored in more advanced modules.

Sculpture classes are taught in a module format that consists of six three-hour sessions per module.

Students have the option of attending classes twice a week over a three week period, or once a week over a six week period.

Classes are  on  Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Three week modules are typically offered on a Tuesday and Thursday, while six week modules are on a Wednesday evening. Special tuition requests can be arranged if and when possible.

For the purposes of the course , Studio G will provide the material and tools required to sculpt clay sculptures. This include clay, a sculpting platform and sculpting tools.

Once a sculpture is completed, the student has the option to preserve the clay sculpture with an epoxy resin coating, or alternatively cast it. Casting will however incur additional costs.

Tuition fees are R2,850 per module.

If you want to start your sculpting journey, please click here to book your spot.

Studio G Sculpture School was founded by Gerhard van Niekerk, an established figurative sculptor based in Somerset West.

The motivation behind opening the school was for Gerhard to share his passion for sculpture by teaching and sharing his systematic approach to sculpture. In the classes he'll  share his knowledge and techniques acquired since he started sculpting as a teenager in 1996.

As a sculptor, Gerhard has a keen interest in the human body, which is also the subject matter and inspiration for his work. He is particularly interested in its individual uniqueness, beauty, strength and movement, but also its fragility, vulnerability and temporality. Of equal interest to him is the nature of our existence and our experience thereof as living, conscious human beings. These points of interest are also the underlying themes of his sculptures.

In his work Gerhard develops these themes by juxtaposing seemingly contradicting concepts as well as techniques. For example, hard vs soft; smooth vs rough; growth vs decay; permanent vs temporary; realistic vs abstract; classic vs contemporary. This well-defined thematic approach, combined with his technical skill, results not only in beautiful sculptures, but also thought-provoking pieces of art.

Gerhard prefers to model his sculptures in clay, whereafter he casts it in a unique marble and GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) composite that he developed.  This medium creates sculptures of significant strength and durability, while still allowing him to portray his interpretations of the human body.

For more information and examples of Gerhard's work, please click here.