SCULPTOR

Sculpting is a fine art. It is different from other careers in art, such as graphic design or illustration. Sculptors generally do not work for large corporations, as graphic designers or illustrators may. Sixty percent of sculptors are self-employed, so the work they do is generally for themselves. Their work does not have to conform to an idea given to them by someone else. This allows a lot of job freedom and an ability to produce art that is truly theirs, not influenced by another person or a company.

The exception to this rule is that sculptors may be commissioned and paid to make a piece by a person, group, corporation, or city. Generally, though, this is rare. Sculptors earn money by showing their art in galleries and trying to sell their pieces. Art dealers may also sell sculptures for an artist.

Sculptors may choose from a variety of materials to make their sculptures. Usually, a sculptor uses one material, such as clay, wire, plastic, fabric, glass, metal, or wood. But some sculptors make mixed-media sculptures, which combine many different materials. These works are made by cutting, gluing, sawing, soldering, and molding the material. What's interesting about sculpting is that there are no boundaries within which sculptors must work. Their work is purely creative, and they are allowed the chance to build a sculpture that is ten feet high, if they choose. Mixed-media sculpture allows the sculptor even more room for creativity. Any material he or she chooses can be incorporated. Some artists have even used light and sound to create multisensory experiences that go way beyond just viewing a piece of art.