Head Games: Building Bold Sculpted Heads

This workshop focuses on building slightly larger-than-life ceramic heads that emphasize expression over realism. Rather than pursuing exact likeness, the course prioritizes gesture, exaggeration, and surface as tools for communicating mood and character.

Working both solid and on armatures, participants will explore structure, proportion, and armature logic, with guidance on how to push features without losing control of the clay. Instruction will address when to refine and when to distort, as well as how to maintain the visibility of the hand within the finished work.

The workshop begins with a low-fire soda kiln experience using The Bascom’s soda kiln. Participants are encouraged to bring one larger or several smaller bisque-fired pieces to include in the firing. Instructor-made test tiles will also be fired to explore the effects of surface and atmosphere before applying those insights to the sculpted heads.

While the kiln is firing, participants will begin discussing concepts and building their sculptural heads. The kiln will be unloaded on the final day of class, with time dedicated to reviewing and discussing the results. Students who wish to participate directly in the firing and soda spraying process may do so. Please note there are specific supplies needed to participate in firing the Soda Kiln.  

This workshop is ideal for artists ready to work bigger, take risks, and move beyond timid construction. Let’s make some serious heads.

Dormitory-Style Lodging

As part of our commitment to supporting access to the arts, we are pleased to share information about a Dormitory-Style Lodging opportunity offered by our community partner, the Highlands Biological Station for registrants of select workshops. Please visit our Lodging Information page or see your registration confirmation email for more information.