27-2022 – Beth Cavener – The Domestic and the Wild
June 26 – July 9 2022
Exploring the elements of character, expression, and spontaneous gesture
Sculpture. Non beginners

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.”
www.followtheblackrabbit.com
Artist: | Beth Cavener |
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Date: | June 26 – July 9 2022 |
Total cost: | Euro 3600,00 |
Deposit for booking: | Euro 900,00 |
Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
NOT AVAILABLE
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the EU consumer protection legislation.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Safety
La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The building is sanitized and the daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. To acess the courses, students need to be vaccinated against Covid- 19. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.
Info
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 230 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.