Push the boundaries of clay as a sculptural medium in this advanced, hands-on course designed for artists seeking to explore form, texture, and scale.
Participants will experiment with a range of construction methods and complex joining techniques while developing works that move fluidly between abstraction and figuration. Through guided exploration, you’ll learn how to translate ideas into expressive sculptural compositions that challenge balance, proportion, and material limits.
The course also delves into surface development, exploring carving, layering, and finishing techniques that enhance form and gesture. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual thinking, allowing each participant to cultivate a personal language in clay that reflects both technical mastery and artistic vision.
All tools are provided. Some prior experience with hand-building or sculpture is recommended.
key learning objectives:
Explore the expressive potential of clay as a sculptural medium beyond functional form.
Learn advanced construction and joining techniques for complex structures.
Develop a deeper understanding of balance, proportion, and composition in three-dimensional design.
Experiment with surface treatments — carving, layering, and textural development — to enhance form and movement.
Strengthen conceptual and critical thinking, translating personal ideas into sculptural outcomes.
Refine craftsmanship and structural stability for larger-scale pieces.
what to expect:
A process-driven and exploratory course combining technical development with creative experimentation. Each session will include demonstrations, guided exercises, and open studio practice. Participants will begin with small-scale studies to test form and balance before advancing toward one or more finalized sculptural pieces that integrate the learned techniques.
Expect a collaborative and reflective studio environment with individual feedback, group discussions, and opportunities to present and critique work. By the end of the course, participants will have developed both a refined technical foundation and a stronger personal sculptural identity in clay.