Body Builders: Intermediate Figure Sculpting Hybrid Shortstack

Ever wanted to sculpt bodies with clay that’ll make even the most stoic of statues crack a smile? Or have you been wanting to dip your toes into the world of figure sculpting without ~slipping~ into the deep end?

In this hybrid short-stack course, students will begin the quarter by learning how to sculpt a reclining figure using a solid-building technique, before branching into independent study during studio access time. Students will build skills in observation and representation through various frames, including studies in angle, proportion, volume, and basic anatomy. 

Creativity and individuality are encouraged! Though we’ll focus on proportion and observation, students’ pieces might lean towards realistic or whimsical, abstract or representative. Each student will have the opportunity to pursue their own interests in figurative sculpture and bring their own creative vision and style to the studio.

Note: This class is a Hybrid Shortstack. Class will meet on 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10 and 3/17. All other weeks will be studio access. Studio will be closed on 1/20/25 & 2/17/2025 due to federal holidays.

This is an Intermediate-Level Hybrid Shortstack Class. Clay experience is recommended.

Learn more about instructor Ella Scudder-Davis.

We believe clay is for everyone! Need tuition assistance? Please visit our tuition assistance page for more information.

What’s included:

• Access to use our studio during open studio hours every day for the duration of the quarter from 10AM to 9PM.
• 1 bag of clay (pick-up first day of class)
• Personal full shelf for storage of tools, clay, and in process work
• Communal sculpture tools will be provided. Students may experiment and then chose to buy their own once they form a preference.

What to bring:

• A good attitude and a mind open to learning.
• Your favorite sculpture tools if you have them (not required) – Ella recommends at least a wire cutter, wooden modeling knife, needle tool, and a fork/scoring tool
• An apron or clothes that can get dirty.
• A notebook or sketchbook.

Pottery NW has communal tools available. Personal toolkits, bat pins & additional clay can be purchased at the online student store. All items purchased from the store need to be picked up onsite.

Please Note:

• If you are new to the Pottery NW studio, or if you have not attended an orientation as of Summer Quarter 2023, you must attend the first class to receive the mandatory studio orientation. New students who do not attend the first day will be dropped from the class without a refund of the class fee. On the first day of class, late arrivals beyond 15 minutes after the class start time will not be permitted to join. Returning students should still attend the first day of class as the instructor will not be able to reteach missed lessons and demos to absent students in the proceeding classes.

•  We are in Pioneer Square, so please plan ahead so that you have enough time to park. You don’t want to miss anything!