The Figure in Clay: Making a Hollow Figure Using Templates
Prerecorded Workshop
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.
Sixty days of access to the workshop videos will give students ample time to watch, re-watch, and follow along with Cristina’s carefully presented process. In addition, students will gain access to Cristina’s materials list, templates, reference photos, and guidance on foundational skills like making clay slabs and slips.
This online workshop is perfect for anyone who is eager to dive deeply into figurative ceramics and work at their own pace using the tried-and-true methods of an expert instructor. Students of all skill levels will be able to engage with Cristina’s techniques with only minimal equipment and materials.
Suitable for all skill levels.
Fee: $250. Participants will have access to this workshop's prerecorded videos and associated materials for 60 days from date of purchase.
We recommend viewing the materials list before purchasing this workshop. Preview here.
Instructor Work
ISLA II, ceramic, 18 x 12 x 6 inches
Cristina Cordova
Jungla, (detail), clay, 4 feet high
Cristina Cordova
El balcón, ceramic and metal, 3-1/2 feet high
Cristina Cordova
Cristina Córdova
Studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Anderson Ranch (CO), Santa Fe Clay, Penland; collections: Renwick Gallery (DC), Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Everson Museum (NY), Lowe Museum (FL), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Puerto Rico), Museo de Arte de Ponce (Puerto Rico), Mint Museum (NC), Society of Arts and Crafts (Boston), Alfred Ceramic Art Museum (NY), former Penland resident artist.
Sneak Peek of Workshop Materials
- Cristina Córdova talks about teaching (1:18)
- How it Works
- Help
- Materials List for Cristina Córdova's Workshop
- Templates
- Photographic References
- Work Space Setup
- Introduction and Welcome (1:07)
- Making Slabs and Slip (2:00)
- Templates and Slabs: cut out torso, pelvis, neck, and chest templates from two ⅜” thick slabs (6:42)
- Head and Arms: measure and cut shapes for arms and head from two ¼" thick slabs (5:48)
- Assembling Components into Body Parts: head, torso, pelvis, arms, neck, breasts (25:30)
- Shaping the Pelvis and Torso: using photographic references and calipers (37:31)
- Attaching the Pelvis to Torso (5:31)
- Attaching Breasts to Torso (21:02)
- Attaching the Upper Arms and Neck (44:24)
- Bony Landmarks: refining the figure using bony landmarks and primary muscles (22:20)
- Making the Hands (27:17)
- Making the Head (32:42)
- Tool Implementation (2:02)
- Attaching the Lower Arm (10:03)
- Attaching the Head and Hands (38:47)
- Making the Hair (6:30)
- Surface Development using Slips and Underglazes (9:52)
- Venting Your Piece (3:18)
- Farewell (0:25)
How It Works
Materials list, templates, and prerecorded videos will be provided through Teachable.
Students have access to this material for 60 days from the date of purchase.
Troubleshooting
If you need help with enrollment or payment please contact [email protected].