Torso is an exciting genre of figurative sculpture that provides a unique opportunity of an in-depth
study of the human form and its aesthetic qualities. Anatomically speaking, torso is the core of the
human body consisting of the two major masses: pelvis and rib cage, that are connected by the
spinal column. The position of these structures relative to one another determines the overall
gesture of a figure and the arrangement of its volumetric forms. Therefore, the close study of the
torso and its proportions is a crucial step in the mastery of figurative sculpture.
The abstract quality of the subject lays the focus entirely on the dynamic pose and the
expressiveness of form.

The workshop kicks off with a comprehensive lecture on the internal framework of the human
body, complemented by practical anatomy exercises. The remainder of the course focuses on
hands-on sculpting from a life model in the context of regular individual critiques, additional
lectures, live demonstrations, and group discussions.
Upon completion, participants have the option to preserve their clay sculptures through firing.
Thanks to the small-group format and an individual teaching approach adopted by the instructor,
the lessons are well suited for the participants with all skill levels and creative goals.

In this course you will learn:
• Fundamentals of traditional sculpture
• Essential sculpture tools, materials and equipment
• Proper observation of objects in three dimensions
• Anatomy and structure of human body
• Assessment of the pose and gesture
• Proportions, linear qualities and forms of a torso
• Advanced concepts of modeling in clay
• Principles of composition and aesthetic ideals

Subject:
male/female torso in clay from a life model (ca. 40 cm)

Schedule
Day 1: Introductory lecture, demonstration, and the first lesson with the life model. Lessons are
divided into 25-minute sessions with 5-10 minute breaks in between. Halfway through the
lessons, there's a longer break of 30 minutes.
Day 2: Sculpting sessions with a life model, additional lectures on anatomy, demonstrations, and
regular individual critiques.
Day 3: Sculpting sessions with a life model, an "Inspiration Hour" (presentation on a projector with
an overview of portrait sculptures by great artists).
Day 4: Sculpting sessions with a life model, more lectures, demonstrations, and regular individual
critiques.
Day 5: Sculpting sessions with a life model, final critiques, and preparation of the sculptures for
firing.

Lecturer:
Alexandra Slava - is a contemporary figurative sculptor, art teacher and founder of the Berlin Sculpture Atelier.
www.alexandraslava.com
www.instagram.com/alexandraslava/

Place of workshop:
Workshop of the School of Ceramics "Ceramiq", ul. Czyżewska 5, Warsaw

Time:
- 9 - 13 September 2024; Monday - Friday, e.g. 10:00 - 15:00 (short lunch/tea break at 12:30-13:00
Duration:
5 lessons X 5 hours (25 hours total)

Cost: 2950 zł

Included in the Course

• All materials and equipment
• Instruction in English
• 25 hours with the life model
• Drinks and snacks
• Final firing

After the workshop, you will receive a course completion diploma issued by the Private Artistic School of Ceramics "Ceramiq" in Warsaw.

Important:
The condition for participation in the workshops is to reserve a place by placing an order and paying the amount within 7 days. If payment is not made by the deadline, the order will be canceled.
The number of places is limited, applications are on a first-come, first served basis. The minimum number of participants required for the course to take place is 6 people. Otherwise, the studio reserves the right to change the course date after prior arrangement of the date with the participants. The course is intended for adults.

Payment methods:
- placing an order through the ceramiq.pl online store and settling the amount within 7 days
- pay the fee at the studio's cash desk if you choose the card/cash payment method within 7 days.

It is possible to completely resign from participation and have the payment refunded.

Costs of withdrawal from participation borne by the course participant:

    0% of the price if cancellation occurs up to 60 days before the start of the course,
    30% of the price if cancellation occurs up to 30 days before the start of the course,
    70% of the price if cancellation occurs up to 15 days before the start of the course,
    100% of the price if cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the start of the course.

In the event of cancellation, the refund of the amount paid, less cancellation costs, will be made in
within 14 days from the date of notification of resignation.

Information about the course can be obtained by phone: 534.146.000 or by e-mail: pracownia@ceramiq.pl. The studio reserves the right to photograph items in order to promote the facility's activities.

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