Spring Class - The Abstracted Figure
Please book classes through Fort Mason Artists (online, or with check by mail). For up to date changes and other offerings visit FMA's official website.
Building the Abstracted Figure in Clay
Mondays, February 3rd – March 31 2025 (no class 02-17-25)
In this 8 week class we will be sculpting - using a live model - the figure in clay with an emphasis on abstraction. The initial focus will be to establish the human form with the desired proportions and volumes, then we will transition to bringing out the essence of the model and pose. We could derive this from the dynamics of the pose, the undulations and interplay of surface and forms with each other, the expressive nature of the model, etc...
Beginning and continuing sculptors are invited to sculpt from a live model for eight sessions. For those interested, we will start with a hands-on-demonstration in building an internal armature, which will not require the traditional cutting out of armature, hollowing and reassembling of parts. This armature type is well suited for figures up to 24 inches in height. In addition, instructional help will be offered in anatomy and in sculpting styles and approaches.
We will conclude the class by preparing the sculpture for firing it in the kiln. Participants will be responsible for the firing of their piece. There will be an informational handout with the various kiln firing service providers.
We will discuss the finishing processes for the sculpture including the creation of the base and surface treatment (paint, glaze, etc...) of figure and base.
A separate finishing workshop will be offered at another time, for those who would like to complete the sculpture to a gallery show ready state.
Please bring the following to the first day of instruction:
(These are the materials needed in building a sculpture with internal support structure)
Required Material List: (* You can purchase from instructor on first day of class)
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Newspaper
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Rags (to moisten and cover work at end of sculpting sessions)
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Clay (can be purchased from instructor)
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Box and packing materials to transport finished piece (last day of instruction)
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Proof of Covid vaccination and mask
Materials Included in Class:
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Masking tape (1/2 to 3/4 inch wide)
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Drywall fiber tape (coarse mesh)
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1⁄2 inch thick rectangular base board (side length 8 by 12 inches)
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Armature materials
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Trash bag to cover work
Recommended Material List:
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Sculpting tools (various basic tools will be made available in class)
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Clothing which can get dirty (or apron)
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Drawing paper and drawing materials of your choice (for initial figure sketching and planning stage)
Additional Costs:
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Clay can be purchased in class (regular clay $15, paper clay $20)
Instructor: Konrad Dunton
Instructor's Website: konrad-dunton.com
Class Tuition: $405
Model Fee: $110 payable at the first session (or add during registration)
Date(s): 02/03/2025 - 03/31/2025
Day: Monday
Time: 6:15 PM - 10:15 PM
Number of meetings: 8
Location: MPIC Clubhouse
350 O'Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127