Instructor: Robert Bodem
Dates: 21 - 25 May 2025
Cost: 950 euro
Location: Chasséstraat 91, 1057 JB Amsterdam
Description
In 8 sessions you sculpt a half-size figure in clay. This workshop aims to provide an in-depth structural understanding of the human figure and gain experience sculpting a contrapposto. Students will follow a step-by-step process in which they learn to recognize their mistakes and solve the problems in their work independently. You learn to capture and maintain the gesture and balance in your sculpture, coordinate the proportions, and accurately describe the characteristics of your model in clay.
Program
Bodems Drawing in Space is a unique approach to figurative sculpture, originating from the Florence Academy of Art sculpture studios. Students of this workshop will be introduced to the structural block-in method and its dual purpose of developing work from the life model and working from imagination. Students will work from the life model for the full week, totaling 24 hours. Most work time will be dedicated to understanding how to initiate and manage large and small gesture considerations, the practicality of proportions, and becoming aware of the aesthetic vocabulary inherent in the linear and form qualities of the life model. Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of flexible techniques without being overly concerned about finishing.
Instructor
Robert Bodem is a figurative sculptor who lives and works in Athens, Greece. He exhibits in bronze across Europe, and his works can be found at Gallery Michael, Beverly Hills, and Grenning Gallery, Sag Harbor.
Robert received his Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts in Sculpture at Boston University. In 1998, he was awarded the Albert S. and Ester B. Kahn Award, which supported him financially while establishing The Florence Academy of Art’s Sculpture Program. Over his two decades as Director of Sculpture, Robert developed his methodology, “Drawing in Space”. This resulted in a unique curriculum that has given voice to a generation of highly prolific figurative sculptors. Today, Robert teaches workshops from his studio in Athens and in collaboration with ateliers internationally.
Practical information
This workshop is open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. If you want a cast of your work, you can join our mold making workshop of the relevant trimester. See the workshop calendar for dates and prices. There is also an option to have a mold made for you in consultation. Prices for this are the same as the mold making workshop excl. material cost & shipping.
The armatures that you will be making the figure on are not for sale. If you do not want a mold of your figure, the armature stays with us and we will take of the clay. There will be an option to have pictures taken of your sculpture free of charge.
What you need to bring to the studio: lunch, apron, notebook and pencil.
Dates
21 - 25 May 2025
Time table
Wednesday (14:00 - 17:00 h), Thursday - Saturday (10:00 - 17:00 h), Sunday (10:00 - 13:00 h)
This course includes:
✓ observation from a live model
✓ working in a small group (8 students)
✓ instruction by the developer of the method ‘Drawing in Space’
✓ individual guidance in English at your own level
✓ demonstrations illustrating the instructions
✓ water-based clay