Sculpture is three dimensional art created by one of four basic processes: carving, modelling, casting or constructing. The materials used in sculpture are diverse and have changed throughout history.

Classic materials include metal (especially bronze), stone and pottery. Precious materials such as gold, silver and jade are often used for small luxury items. More common and less expensive materials include wood, terracotta and ceramics, wax (a very common material for creating models for casting) and cast metals such as pewter and zinc (spelter). The use of resin in sculpture is relatively new. It wasn’t until the 20th century that sculptors moved away from plaster or bronze casts, as well as stone carving, in favour of this synthetic, much lighter, adaptive and weather resistant material.