The idea

Photograph of hands carving soap

Barbara Hepworth was a key figure in the British abstract art movement in the 20th century. She often created sculptures which were inspired by nature. She lived near the seaside in St Ives, Cornwall and often used the shapes of shells and rocks to inspire her work.

She loved to work with wood and stone and, later on, in bronze. Her sculptures seem to be growing and look very natural.

Take a look at her sculptures! Can you see all the different shapes and forms Hepworth uses? Which one would you like to make?

Dame Barbara Hepworth
Oval Sculpture (No. 2) (1943, cast 1958)
Tate

Barbara Hepworth © Bowness

Dame Barbara Hepworth
Tides I (1946)
Tate

Barbara Hepworth © Bowness

Dame Barbara Hepworth
Mother and Child (1934)
Tate

Barbara Hepworth © Bowness

Dame Barbara Hepworth
Three Forms (1935)
Tate

Barbara Hepworth © Bowness

Let's make a soap carving

Materials required for soap carving activity

You will need:

  • Some cheap bars of white soap
  • A pencil
  • Scrapers and peelers – use teaspoons, potato peelers, scissors, a paperclip and similar objects

Ready? Let's start ...

photograph of soap carving

1. DraW your design ON both sides of THE SOAP

Photograph of soap carving activity

2. Use a knife to cut the corners off. Ask an adult for help

Photograph of soap carving activity

3. Carefully Scrape away at the edges and twist into the surface to make holes

photograph of soap carving

4. Use a potato peeler to make smooth edges. turning your soap over to do both sides

photograph of soap carving

5. Use a paperclip to make small details and marks

Photograph of soap carving

 

6. All done! Looks great

Why not try other shapes?

photograph of soap carving activity
photograph of soap carving activity

Or design a background?

Photograph of soap carving activity