Introduction

During this two week figurative workshop we will focus on coil-building the human form. The layered figure means  developing surface imagery through drawing, carving, texturing, and the addition of simple sprig-molded forms.

Teaching method

For inspiration for the layered  figure we’ll steep ourselves in the Tuscan landscape, the Florence art museums, and a culture renowned for blending the old and the new. The first week will begin with a trip to Florence and the Bargello Museum to experience the works of great Renaissance masters such as Donatello, Michelangelo and della Robbia. Note-taking through sketching and photos will help inform our sculpture ideas which we’ll develop and refine through moquettes back in the studio. Throughout the two weeks, Adrian will give demonstrations and slide presentations on her sculpting and coil-building process and supportive individual feedback to guide students in making medium scale sculptures.

Techniques taught

The techniques covered will be useful for large scale work that could be explored in the future. This will include the use of a base and rod for tall narrow pieces, sectioning and reattaching techniques, internal supports and buttresses, and other sculpting techniques from over 30 years of experience in working with clay. In addition to coil-building the figure, we’ll enliven the forms with narrative and textural surface imagery. Adrian will demonstrate her texture, carving and relief techniques, as well as how to make simple small sprig molds and ways to alter and apply the press-molded forms to larger pieces. These sprig molds can be made from any assortment of found objects, natural textures, small architectural details, or forms you create out of clay. The final component to developing a strong, convincing form and surface relationship is an understanding of different types of finishes.

Finishing techniques

Adrian will discuss and show examples of low-fire glazes, terra sigilatta, and non-fired surface finishes such as wax encaustic, casein paint and gold leaf. Also during this time, participants will have the opportunity to make one or two more simple small sprig molds to take home for future pieces.

Logistics

While our work is firing, we’ll have the good fortune to go back to Florence to visit the Accademia where we can see the work of more Renaissance masters such as Botticelli, Bartolini, and of course, Michelangelo’s “David” and “Slaves of Stone”.The workshop will wrap up with unloading the kiln and a group critique of the fired pieces. Participants will be able to make arrangements to have their work shipped back home. On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.

For participation, a Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate is required.

The artist

Adrian Arleo is a studio artist living in Lolo, Montana. She studied Art and Anthropology at Pitzer College (B.A. in 1983) and received an MFA in ceramics from Rhode Island School of Design in 1986. Her work is exhibited internationally, and is in numerous public and private collections, including The World Ceramic Exposition Foundation, Icheon, Korea, Racine Art Museum, Racine WI , The Museum of Arts and Sciences, Macon, GA, and The Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, MT. Adrian received awards from the Virginia A. Groot Foundation in 1991 and ’92, and a Montana Arts Council Individual Fellowship in 1995. Along with making her own work, Adrian is a frequent workshop leader and has been a guest juror for numerous national exhibitions. Her work is currently represented by Abmeyer and Wood Fine Art in Seattle, WA. Artist

Statement:

“For thirty years, my sculpture has combined human, animal and natural imagery to create a kind of emotional and poetic power. Often there’s a suggestion of a vital interconnection between the human and non-human realms; the imagery arises from associations, concerns and obsessions that are at once intimate and universal. The work frequently references mythology and archetypes in addressing our vulnerability in a changing personal, environmental and political world.” https://adrianarleo.com