SUMMER COURSE 2025: we offer three workshops as a summer course. This workshop is part one of the course. You can take one or join all three!
Instructor: Alexandra Slava
Dates: 07 July - 11 July 2025
Cost: 900 euro
Location: Chasséstraat 91, 1057 JB Amsterdam
Description
In 10 sessions you sculpt a figure in clay (1:3). The aim of this workshop is to provide an in-depth structural understanding of the human figure and to gain experience sculpting a contrapposto. We will work with a step-by-step structure, in which you learn to recognize your mistakes and solve the problems in your work on your own. You learn to capture and maintain the gesture and balance in your sculpture, to coordinate the proportions, and to accurately describe the characteristics of your model in clay.
Program
We begin with a short introduction to the 'Drawing in space' teaching method and demonstrate the most important themes (gesture - proportion - body type) using the model for reference. Once the model’s pose has been determined, we bend the armature into the correct shape. The armature is made of aluminum and can be manipulated easily by hand or with tools. We then systematically look at the relationship between the large structures ('box' and 'egg') and the important 'bony landmarks' with special attention to proportions, gesture, and body type. Once the standing leg is in the correct position and the armature is fixed on the base, we will draw the contours of the model in clay referencing the large structures and the bony landmarks. After the structure of the figure is in balance and the proportions are correct, we will talk about drawing internal information, reading light, and modeling form.
Time table
Monday - Friday (10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00 h)
Instructor
Alexandra Slava (b. 1996; Kyiv, Ukraine) is a contemporary figurative sculptor, art teacher and founder of the Berlin Sculpture Atelier. Throughout Alexandra’s career, her work has been recognized by several international organizations including The Alpine Fellowship, The Society of Portrait Sculptors, London Art Biennale, Ostrale Biennale and the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain. Since her graduation, Alexandra has been running an independent artistic practice in Florence, Warsaw and Frankfurt am Main. She is now permanently based in Berlin, Germany. Over the past few years her efforts are increasingly directed at teaching activity. Driven by gratitude for all the input and encouragement from her own mentors, Alexandra is motivated to pass the great tradition on to other aspiring artists. Guided by this vision, she founded the Berlin Sculpture Atelier - the art space comprised of her personal studio, gallery and sculpture school offering a variety of educational courses and workshops.
Practical information
This workshop is open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students.
What you need to bring to the studio: lunch, apron, notebook
This course includes:
✓ observation from a life model
✓ working in small groups
✓ instruction by a classically trained sculptor
✓ individual guidance in English at your own level
✓ demonstrations illustrating the instructions
✓ use of water-based clay and Tiranti tools
✓ pictures of your work
Mold making options
The course is about learning the fundamentals and students will be provided with pictures of their work. If you wish to keep your sculpture, you can opt for a silicone mold. This mold can be used to make cast copies of your sculpture in plaster, bronze, etc. Below you find three options you may wish to consider:
Option 1: Request a silicone mold made for you. Molds are coordinated by Figura assistants and have an additional cost of 900 Euro + material costs + shipping. You can let us know during the workshop.
Option 2: Sign up for a spot in the consecutive mold making week and make your own mold.
Option 3: Sign up for the full summer course program (3-in-a-row), make your own mold and brand your Artistic Practice.
Discount
We offer package discount for summer workshops:
10 % off if you sign up for full summer course program 3-in-a-row
5% off if you also sign up for Mold Making or The Artistic Journey
