Sculpting the Figure: Imaginative Clay Busts

This class offers a distinctive approach to sculpting figures, blending detail-specific instruction with the freedom to draw inspiration from imagination, references, or personal photographs. Guided by a series of clear step-by-step instructions and resources, students will create detailed, glazed, and expressive busts from clay, learning soft slab building techniques alongside both realistic and expressive methods for sculpting the head, shoulders, and upper torso.

Starting with the construction of large shapes, the course provides demos, tools, and sculpting techniques for accurately rendering the intricate details of the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, head, neck, and shoulders. Each sculpture, designed to be self-supporting, can range in size from 12 to 30 inches tall, using provided templates for guidance. The course structure ensures that each sculpture will receive ample time for finishing, firing, and glazing, addressing common concerns about the rush to complete projects. To further support students’ projects, open studio hours are available seven days a week for additional sculpting practice.

Participants will be able to modify templates, bringing their unique visions to life. The application of slips, oxides, and glazes adds color and enhances durability, culminating in vibrant and expressive busts. This class is ideal for anyone eager to expand their sculpture techniques, from beginners to advanced artists looking to refine their statue creation skills.