27-2022 – Beth Cavener – The Domestic and the Wild

Introduction

The Domestic and the Wild is a two week hands – on workshop and a chance to understand the entire working process of one of the most interesting figurative ceramic sculptors.

The Techniques

Cavener will demonstrate her building technique and the anatomy of expression for the domestic and the wild.  She will examine the logistics of creating large figures, starting by creating the appropriate, removable armature and sharing a wide range of practical information about her unusual method of working.  The method consists in starting with a large mass of solid clay, afterwards hollowing each part of the sculpture down to the skin, before reassembling the entire piece.  Furthermore, she will discuss how to transfer ideas and meaning visually and how to tackle elements of gesture and expression with the goal to convene something vital and unique. Through subtle shifts in line and form, students will learn to give voice to inner psychological states and project aspects of humanity through the sculptural figure.

Teaching Method

Students will work in their own conceptual framework, creating maquette and from there one or more pieces, applying the technical methods and finishing options. Cavener will assist students individually from choosing the subject, the posture and the armature to transferring ideas and meaning visually with the goal to convene something vital and unique. The building in massive clay is a training, however, one smaller element will be finished and fired, not so very large work. Beth Cavener will give several lectures and PowerPoint presentations during the workshop to elaborate on a variety of topics.

Logistics

The course consists of 10 full working days with instruction. In addition, the studio will be open on the weekend for those who wish to continue to work, but no teaching occurs. On each of the 10 class days a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.

The artist

Beth Cavener is a world renowned sculpture artist. Her studio is in Helena, MT.  She has exhibited internationally. She teaches workshops only occasionally and this is the third time she returns to La Meridiana. “The sculptures I create focus on human psychology, stripped of context and rationalization, and articulated through animal and human forms. On the surface, these figures are simply feral and domestic individuals suspended in a moment of tension. Beneath the surface they embody the impacts of aggression, territorial desires, isolation, and pack mentality.”
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