In this online workshop, students will learn Cristina’s thoughtful approach to sculpting the human figure in clay. More than four-and-half hours of high-quality prerecorded videos will give each participant a front row seat as Cristina transforms her material into a 25-inch head and torso ready to be bisqued—and will give them the tools they need to follow along step by step! Video lessons will cover the construction and articulation of the hip area, upper torso, arms, hands, head, and neck. They will also cover how Cristina uses clay slabs, simple pattern templates, and photographic references to anchor her process and the anatomical concepts and modeling strategies she uses to facilitate accuracy and expression as all the components come together.

In this prerecorded video demonstration I’ll show how to make a small head using clay slabs and a simple pattern that will help generate the primary shape, which I’ll develop through further modeling. I’ll touch on bone structure, features, and cleaning strategies. Then I’ll show you how to attach the head to a neck and bust, also created from templates, in order to play with the activation of gesture.

Experienced potters and beginners alike will enjoy up-close access to Courtney’s approach in this online clay workshop. Approximately seven hours of high-quality prerecorded videos will invite participants into each step of the handbuilding process, from preparing the clay to refining leather-hard forms in preparation for the bisque kiln. Video lessons will start with foundational techniques like creating platters and trays with slabs and coils. From there, the videos will build to more advanced methods for adding height to forms and imbuing pieces with individuality and function through the addition of handles and feet. Throughout the lessons, Courtney will invite students to carefully consider the specific use and visual balance of each pot.

In this video I’ll demonstrate, from start to finish, how I make handled trays. I’ll show viewers how I roll slabs and attach coils of clay to build pots. I’ll refine the form, add handles, and then finish the pots with some decorative detailing when they are leather hard.