English 
正體中文 
The General Education Teaching Unit at Yuan Ze University held a micro-course titled “Hands-On Sculpting: Shaping Forms Through Play” on April 9. The course invited Professor Jason Chiu from the Department of Art and Design to guide students through hands-on sculpture practice.
Through direct manipulation of materials, students explored the relationship between material and creation, experienced the enjoyment of three-dimensional form-making, and further developed artistic perception and creative thinking.
The course centered on the theme of “materials,” beginning with an introduction to oil-based clay, a commonly used medium in sculpture. Professor Chiu first explained the characteristics and applications of oil clay and presented related sculptural works to help students understand its plasticity, extensibility, and expressive potential in artistic creation. Through observation and explanation of the works, students not only became familiar with the material itself but also began to consider the language and meaning that materials could convey in creative practice.
During the demonstration, Professor Chiu instructed students to shape the oil clay into containers with raised edges and to use tools or nearby three-dimensional objects to imprint textures and patterns onto the base, creating richly textured surfaces. After receiving their materials, students immediately began free creation, and the classroom atmosphere quickly became lively and engaged.
Many students focused on designing container forms, experimenting with variations in height, thickness, and structural composition. Others concentrated on surface patterns, using carving and imprinting techniques to create motifs with strong personal styles. Some students moved beyond the container form altogether and produced imaginative three-dimensional figurative works. The classroom was filled with a strong, creative atmosphere as students repeatedly molded and adjusted their works, gradually building an understanding of three-dimensional form and spatial structure.
After completing the oil clay models, the course progressed to the mold-making and material transformation stage. Professor Chiu prepared white plaster on site and guided students in pouring it into the completed oil clay containers. After allowing the plaster to set for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, students carefully removed the outer clay layer, revealing plaster works with distinct textures and unique tactile qualities.
Many students expressed surprise at the transformation from soft oil clay to solid plaster, describing the process as both novel and impressive. The experience helped them gain a deeper understanding that sculpture creation involved not only form-making but also the translation and re-presentation between different materials. Through hands-on practice, students clearly perceived the visual and tactile differences among materials, further expanding their imagination and understanding of artistic creation.
The organizing unit stated that the micro-course successfully integrated theory and practice, enhancing students’ hands-on skills and spatial awareness while deepening their understanding of artistic materials. The course also emphasized openness and diversity in creation, encouraging students to freely explore and develop personal styles. By inspiring creativity and strengthening aesthetic education, the course injected more diverse and practice-oriented learning experiences into general education at Yuan Ze University.
