About this Event
This weekend workshop is perfect for students who possess a solid understanding of working with clay and are eager to expand their experience in sculptural art.
YOUR TUTOR Jack Durling, an artist based in Brighton, specializes in creating ceramic sculptures that celebrate the animal kingdom. His artistic focus is on natural behaviours and character, often incorporating decorative elements into his work. Jack will showcase his methods and techniques for constructing a hollow-form animal sculpture in clay. He will then assist you through the entire process, step-by-step, as you create your own sculpture, from the initial reference sketch to the completed piece.
DAY ONE: STUDY OF FORM AND PRELIMINARY BUILD Using your reference materials as a guide, you will participate in loose drawing exercises designed to help you establish the composition of your sculpture. You will begin by creating a rough maquette, followed by working on a larger sculptural piece, which should not exceed dimensions of 30cm x 30cm.
On the first day, participants will explore coiling, slab building, and armature techniques to assist in bringing their ideas to life in three dimensions.
DAY TWO: ENHANCING CHARACTER, REFINEMENT, AND TEXTURE The second day will focus on further advancing your sculptures, enhancing overall refinement, and incorporating narrative and character into your creations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of surface textures.
PREPARATION Students are required to prepare and bring their own reference materials to the workshop. It is advisable to have two or three animals in mind, providing a backup option in case one of your selections proves impractical to create within the allotted time. Jack will assist you in selecting the most suitable option. Conducting some research on your chosen animals prior to the workshop will lead to more resolved and informed outcomes. Sketches and photographs of your preferred subjects are particularly beneficial, especially if they depict different angles and perspectives. However, there is no requirement to provide photo-realistic drawings or to possess advanced drawing skills, as the emphasis will be on basic anatomical shapes and forms. Pay attention to features such as eyes, feet, ears, limbs, and profiles from both side and head-on views if possible. Consider the position of the animal, whether it is standing, sitting, or lying down. What are its distinctive features and typical characteristics? You may find yourself inclined to sculpt a wild animal like a big cat or bear, or perhaps a domestic animal or a cherished family pet.
FURTHER DETAILS This two-day workshop is available to adults (18+) who possess a solid understanding of working with clay and wish to expand their experience in sculptural work. Participants should feel very comfortable with a variety of handbuilding techniques, including slabbing and coiling. Refreshments and the items you create to take home are included in the workshop fee. Please remember to bring a packed lunch.
You are welcome to take your sculptures home to glaze and fire or you have the option of the studio bisque fire and clear glaze your sculptures for pick up in a few weeks.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Muddy Fingers Pottery, Blackett Street, Jarrow, United Kingdom
GBP 379.90
