THE DYNAMIC FIGURE IN CLAY | CHAD FISHER
Dates: Monday 16th - August 20th 2027
Times: 10am - 5pm
Location: Enniskerry
Skill Level: all levels welcome
Please see detailed workshop information below
If this course is fully booked or not currently scheduled, go ahead add your name to the waiting list HERE
Payment plans available contact us directly
aBOUT THE WORKSHOP
This intensive five-day workshop introduces students to the principles, processes, and expressive possibilities of figurative sculpture through sustained observation of the live model.
Working at approximately 24 inches in water-based clay, students will explore the relationship between gesture, volume, proportion, anatomy, and likeness, developing a deeper understanding of the human figure as both an anatomical structure and a dynamic expression of movement.
Particular emphasis will be placed on discovering the underlying rhythms of the figure, understanding the relationships between forms, and recognising the subtle visual harmonies that bring vitality and coherence to sculpture.
Students will be introduced to the golden section, dynamic symmetry, and historical principles of sculptural composition, drawing upon the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and the nineteenth century.
Through instructor-led demonstrations, individual guidance, and group critiques, participants will develop their observational skills while exploring a more intuitive and phenomenological approach to interpreting the human form.
The workshop encourages students to move beyond the literal representation of anatomy toward a deeper understanding of the figure’s inherent movement, structural relationships, and expressive potential.
Each participant will complete one approximately 24-inch figure in clay.*
*We will discuss various mold making techniques, consider the unique challenges presented by each student’s work, and develop thoughtful strategies for approaching the molding and casting process. While our five days together will be dedicated to the creation of the figure, and therefore will not allow sufficient time to produce molds, students will leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach this important next stage of their sculptural practice.
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Core Sculptural Skills
Principles, processes, and expressive possibilities of figurative sculpture through sustained observation of a live model
How to work at scale a full figure to approximately 24 inches in water-based clay
The relationship between gesture, volume, proportion, anatomy, and likeness
How to see the human figure as both an anatomical structure and a dynamic expression of movement
Understanding Form & Composition
How to discover the underlying rhythms of the figure
How to understand relationships between forms
How to recognise subtle visual harmonies that bring vitality and coherence to sculpture
Introduction to the golden section, dynamic symmetry, and historical principles of sculptural composition
Insights from the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and the nineteenth century
Observation & Interpretation
Development of observational skills through instructor-led demonstrations, individual guidance, and group critiques
A more intuitive and phenomenological approach to interpreting the human form
How to move beyond literal anatomical representation toward the figure's inherent movement, structural relationships, and expressive potential
Practical Outcomes
Completion of one approximately 24-inch figure in clay
Understanding of various mold-making techniques
Awareness of the unique challenges presented by your own work
Thoughtful strategies for approaching the molding and casting process as the next stage of your sculptural practice
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Drawing & Additional Materials
HB pencil
Sketchbook (5 × 8.25 inches or larger)
Ballpoint pen
Sharpie marker
One C-clamp (4–5 inches)
Calipers
Plumb bob/Plumb line (homemade is perfectly suitable)
Measuring tape
Small, compact mirror
Sculpting Tools
Will be provided, however if you have your own you are welcome to bring them along - we will be using;Long ribbon rake
Small ribbon rake
Large, flat hardwood modelling tool (homemade is perfectly suitable)
Small, flat modelling tool
24” figure armature, including base, piping and aluminium wire with 25-35 pounds of clay is also included in the cost of the course which can be taken home with you.
