Figure Workshop

Rendering the human figure in clay is one of the richest traditions in art history and education. It is revealing and collective experience – the artist departs with an external piece of work and, hopefully, enriched personal awareness. Javier teaches 5-day figure workshops in Wellington and Auckland on a regular basis.

The class works with a nude model who strikes a different pose in each workshop. Javier moves through the class and, with reference to the model and previous figures, he helps students translate the pose into a clay 750mm sculpture. These workshops are as entertaining as they are intense, and many students return. With multiple visits, a student will improve their artistry and dexterity and can appreciate the subtleties of studying diverse models who may display the beautiful and the peculiar, the vulnerable and the heroic.

What are you learning

We are improving our visual understanding of volumes and proportions using simplified forms and cannons of the different parts of the human body.
Training sculpture performance from a live model posing during the workshop. With the personalised attention of a contemporary artist and experienced traditional figurative sculptor, you learn how to interpret what you see into the forms.
Developing technique and methodology based on practice and learning support tools.

Beginner or experienced sculptors looking to improve their figure fundamentals with personalised guidance.
Graphic and digital artists looking to improve their 3 Dimensional visual understanding also involved into the drawing, illustration and/or painting of the gesture.
Potters and ceramist with an interest in the human form and artistic expression of it.

Material you need

Clay

10 Kg bag for the main work. You can bring your own or you can buy it on the first day of the workshop.

Tools

You can buy two spatulas, a big one and a medium one, available on the website for $40 +shipping. This will help you to do most of the work.
You can also use your own tools, just remember ceramic tools are not ideal for sculpting.
Some carvers can be helpful too.

Armature

Will be supplied.

Location & periodicity

The workshop runs twice a year between Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, and more workshops are being organized in Australia by the end of 2022. We are setting up a different challenge with a live model changing pose each time. Plenty of material, tutorials and online courses can help you on this journey and keep you connected with the community. To ensure you get this information, sign up for the newsletter.

Relaxed work environment

A friendly and relaxed work environment enhances individual and group learning processes. The flexible and personalised attention adapts to the student’s needs in a collaborative dynamic. It is also an opportunity to connect with the community.

wellington

5 days workshop

Dates will be updated later in the year

We organize a workshop every year in January in Wellington. Please send a message to express your interest, and as soon as we know the exact dates, we will contact you. Price for this 5 days workshop is expected to be around NZ$800 ( to be confirmed).

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the WORKSHOP experience

Live the experience of Sculpture workshops in New Zealand & Australia by the hand of the artist and figurative sculptor, Javier Murcia, with more than 20 years of experience.

Learn the foundations to build the human figure and experiment with your hands expanding your knowledge in a fun and friendly environment. The students depart with an external piece of work and, hopefully, enriched personal awareness.