Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Physical properties and capabilitiesmay relate to:
physical properties and capabilities of forming materials:
absorbency
appropriateness of material for selected process
appropriateness of material for size of project
durability
environmental safety
inherent and worked strength or fragility
personal safety
resistance to heat and/or frost
suitability for selected site
useability
weight
workability: plasticity, ductility and rigidity
physical properties and capabilities of surface treatment materials:
durability
ease of application
environmental safety of:
fired finishes
painted finishes
patinas.
Sculptural materialsmay include:
casting materials:
cement products
clay slip
fibreglass
flexible compounds: silicone and latex
glass
metal
mould releases for various casting materials
paper pulp
plaster products: casting and pottery plaster and gypsum, Forton MG
resins: epoxies, polyurethanes and polyesters
wax
joining materials and fasteners:
glues and adhesives
nails, clips, brackets and screws
wire, rope, string, thread and fibres
modelling, carving, fabricating and assemblage materials:
cardboard, paper and other paper products
clay bodies
glass and glass products
blocks and other cement products
industrial and recycled materials
metals and metal products
stone
textiles and fibre products
waxes
wood and wood products
oxides and earths
plant materials:
cane
found objects
other natural materials
reed
surface finishing materials:
coloured paints and enamels
fired ceramic finishes
patinas
shellac and varnish
stains
wax.
Safety issuesmay relate to:
compressed air
dust and airborne particles
electrical safety
equipment used for sculpture
fire
fumes
furnaces, kilns and torches
heat
manual handling requirements
noise
sharp objects
use and labelling of chemicals
use of equipment with moving parts
wet surfaces
work posture.
Data may include:
equipment data sheets (EDS)
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
quantity calculations
recipes for patinas
records of experimentation
technical data sheets (TDS)
work logs.
Sculptural processes may include:
forming techniques:
assemblage
bending
carving
casting
combination of techniques
ephemeral installation
fabrication
laminating
modelling
mould making
pressing
slumping and draping
surface treatment techniques:
additive processes: applied components
subtractive processes: carving, incising, impressing and eroding
use of patina and colour
use of pattern and texture.
Cost and supply parameters may include:
budgetary restrictions
capacity to share costs with others
continuity of supply
delivery issues
location of suppliers
potential for use of found objects
reliability of energy and fuel supplies
terms of payment
use of freely available natural materials
use of recycled materials.
Creative and professional opportunitiesmay relate to:
creative potential:
communication of ideas
personal affinity with particular materials and processes
potential for combining materials and processes
potential for interactions of different materials and processes
themes in work
professional potential:
collaboration
emerging market trends
professional development
saleability.
Limitations and constraintsmay include:
access to skilled and experienced personnel
availability of supplies
financial expenditure
location and geography
safety aspects of process or materials
skill level required for use of selected materials and processes
storage facilities
studio space
timeframe
transportation.
Different ways of working with materials and processesmay involve:
combining materials and processes in new ways
making samples, prototypes and maquettes
varying established approaches to achieve new effects
working collaboratively with a particular material or process.
Own ways of workingmay include:
approaches that reflect and support individual voice
particular nuances and subtleties unique to the individual artist.
Safe work practices may include:
completing MSDS
correct disposal of waste materials
dust and fume extraction
ergonomic safety
managing risk
procedures for using specialist materials, tools and equipment
reporting accidents and incidents
safe use of tools and equipment
using clearly designated wet and dry areas
using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Sustainable supplyis:
available when needed
environmentally friendly
of appropriate quality
safe
within budgetary requirements.
Appropriate handling and storagemay relate to:
appropriate storage, such as racks, shelves, cupboards and containers for:
bulk materials
chemicals
dry materials
incompatible materials
liquid materials
materials with limited shelf life
solvents
containers for recycling materials.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply knowledge of sculptural materials and processes and how they may be adapted and extended at a professional level
evolve and refine ways of working with materials and processes through a demonstrated process of experimentation
integrate materials and processes into own work in a way that supports coherence of the creative work
demonstrate technical proficiency in the independent use of selected materials and processes
use safe work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
equipment, materials and tools used to produce sculptural work
a safe work space
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of the use of materials and processes in terms of the coherence of the body of work
evaluation of processes used by the candidate to develop new ways of working with sculptural materials and processes
evaluation of the work documentation
questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.