Sculpt from Nude Model – Summer Workshop 2019

Class Format:

Friday: The instructor will provide an overview of sculpting technique for students new to sculpture. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of sculpture language, form and plane. We will then prepare the sculpture stands and block in the form, time allowing, in preparation for the model.

Saturday: The model will maintain one pose, with short breaks through-out the session. This long pose will afford students the opportunity to carefully observe the massing, gesture and form of the body.

Sunday: Students continue work on their sculpture and prepare it for firing in a kiln.

Class Content:

This class does not cover detailed anatomical exploration or naming of musculature. The emphasis is on creating a strong sculptural shape by observing the “landmarks” of the body and understanding the structural relationship between the high and low points of the surface, where the plane changes direction and the angle of the planes.

Participants work in a water-based ceramic clay that will be fired in a kiln. As it takes time for the sculptures to dry properly before firing, you will need to come back a few weeks after the class ends to pick up your fired sculptures.

If you would like to paint your sculptures after they have been fired, sign up for the Paint & Cold Finish Session.

Materials and Supplies:

All materials are included. Sculpture tools are available in the studio for participants to use through-out the workshop. We work with a water-based clay that is non-toxic however some people find it drying on the skin. In this case you may wish to bring some light, tight-fitting gloves or rubber gloves. Most people do work directly with the clay.

What to Expect:

Participants will be standing at sculpture stands for most of the day. Prepare to wear comfortable shoes. 

About the Instructor

Geemon Xin Meng is the Director of the Vancouver Sculpture Studio. He is an internationally-recognized professional sculptor working within the tradition of classic, figurative sculpture. After having received a rigorous education at the Fine Art & Design Central Academy of Beijing, he immigrated to Canada in 2004. A prolific artist with exceptional technical skill and vision, he focuses on developing a mastery of the medium while imbuing each sculpture with his own personal, contemporary vision. With over 25 years of experience as a sculptor, he has worked in a broad range of media — clay, fiberglass, marble, stainless steel, hammered copper, and bronze — creating both figurative and abstract works. Geemon’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibits in Canada, China, the US and the UK.