Mastering Sculpture: the Figure Clay: A Guide to Capturing Human Form for Ceramic Artists in Bloomington, MN

Explore the human form in depth, from concept sketches and armatures to detailed instructions for constructing legs, torso, arms, hands, and head from clay.
In
Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay
,
renowned sculptor and instructor
Cristina Córdova
teaches everything you need to know to replicate the full human figure using clay.
Start by developing meaningful
sketches and reference points
.
Then learn how to
make and use an armature
to create hollow forms that are safe to fire in a kiln.
Using
patterns and slabs
, you can move on to develop a full human form, head to toe.
Work along with the author to
create a form about two-feet tall
, or choose your own size: the patterns and instructions can work in a variety of scales.
Photographic demonstrations and diagrams
cover the construction and articulation of feet and legs, the hip area and upper torso, arms, hands, neck, and head. Cristina includes
supplementary tips and insights
throughout to support the sculpting process and enhance naturalism. You’ll also find a brief section on
general anatomical concepts
and
modeling strategies
to facilitate accuracy and expression as all the components come together.
Whether you are a clay artist
with limited experience in figurative sculpture
or a figurative sculptor
outside the world of ceramics looking for a straightforward fabrication strategy to create permanent compositions from clay,
will expertly guide your way.