Upcoming Workshops

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The Human/Animal Narrative
February 25 – March 2, 2024

n creating sculpture that is realistic or imaginary, students will consider the emotional connection between humans and animals when they come together in the same narrative.  They will learn the basics of human and animal anatomy to create sculpture with the character, posture, movement, and spirit of each.  Using slab, pinching, and modeling techniques, Claudia will demonstrate how to build hollow, detailed, proportionate, and expressive forms.  For inspiration and to help understand the exciting depth and variety of ceramic sculpture,  this workshop will also include presentations and discussions of contemporary and historical ceramic sculpture.

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Past Workshops

The Expressive Figure in Clay
Snow Farm, Williamsburg, MA.
June 4 – 19, 2023

Capture connections between humans and animals, learning how to express narrative and emotion in figure sculpture. Learn how to build hollow structures using soft slabs. Explore pinching and modeling techniques to develop anatomically convincing figures. Demonstrations will explore similarities and differences in human/animal anatomy, how to create hybrid creatures, and using gestures for narrative emphasis. Whether your work is realistic, whimsical, or fantasy, bring your voice and vision to this rich exploration of technique and ideas. Some previous clay experience is required.

NOTE: No firing during this session, but some work may be eligible for post workshop bisque firing

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The Expressive Figure in Clay
Snow Farm, Williamsburg, MA.
June 13 – 18, 2019

Learn how to build hollow clay figures using soft slabs, pinching, and modeling techniques. Demonstration will include building a proportionate, anatomically convincing figure with emphasis on narrative, gesture, and expressive head and hands. Students will complete at least one figure with the option to bisque fire if the work is dry. If necessary, post-workshop bisque firing will also be available at additional cost. Basic clay experience will be helpful.

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Sculpting the Figure: Body and Soul with Claudia Olds Goldie
Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, Lexington, MA
5 consecutive days workshop – 10:00 am-4:00 pm (6 hours)
Mon-Fri Aug 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2019

Create convincing, proportionate ceramic figures that capture the gesture, personality, and emotional presence of the individual. Claudia will demonstrate how to build a hollow figure from slab and other basic pottery making techniques including pinching and modeling. Students will consider how to imbue a sense of emotion and inner life in their figures through expressive eyes, facial muscles, and hands. Students will complete at least one figure with the option to bisque fire after the workshop when the piece is dry.

Some experience in clay is recommended.

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Body Image and The Figure
August 12 – 18, 2019

This workshop will examine the beauty of imperfection in the human figure.  All body types, including the full-bodied or older figure, can be evocative, sensual, and emotionally expressive. Learn to capture personality through facial features and gesture, which create narrative.

Hollow-building techniques will be used to create a proportionate, anatomically convincing figure.  Learn how to sculpt an expressive head and hands.  Bring images and reference material that interest you to learn to “read” photographic information to understand the 3-dimensional cues they offer.

Artists of all experience levels are welcome.