Instructor: Alexandra Slava
Dates: 22-26 November 2023 (8 sessions) Start Wednesday at 14:00. End Sunday at 13:00
Cost: 900 euro
Location: Hendrik van Wijnstraat 10, 1065 AS Amsterdam
In this workshop, we will explore the benefits and limitations of low relief, a unique medium that bridges between sculpture and drawing. The main objective of the workshop is to understand the process of relief sculpture, integrating both visual and constructive techniques to capture a figure from observation. We will be paying attention to various aspects, including composition, proportions & fundamental anatomy, high points of the form and accurate depiction of surface direction.
Program
After learning to build a proper clay work table, we’ll follow by an in-depth exploration of the principles of low relief construction. We'll delve into abstracting surfaces based on their direction (the ‘diamond’ map for relief), identifying the peak height point relative to the model's position, and referencing contours and depth layers in relief design. Then, working from observing the model, we'll learn how to effectively depict gestures using anatomical landmarks. Drawing principles, such as proportions and relative measurement, will also be emphasized to enhance understanding. Once we achieve a convincing drawing of the model on clay, we'll proceed to determine the peak height ridge in the relief, taking into account our angle to the model. We'll learn how to position ourselves at 90 degrees to accurately measure and translate heights into a convincing low relief. Throughout the process, we will explore the hierarchy within the relief, embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the human form while constructing the relief sculpture. Regular demonstrations and individual critiques will guide students through basic and advanced concepts of figure relief construction, light and form modeling, and anatomical and proportional canons. Our focus will be on cultivating a structural thought process to deconstruct visual information and develop a methodical approach to accurately translating that information into the clay medium.
Instructor
www.alexandraslava.com
Practical information
This workshop is open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. If you want a cast of your work, we offer you the opportunity to participate in the casting weeks of the relevant trimester. See the workshop calendar for dates and prices. 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
✓ armature and clay
Time Table
Wednesday 14:00 - 17:00h
Thursday till Saturday 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00h
Sunday 10:00 - 13:00h