Body Language: Mixed-Media Figurative Sculpture

Explore the expressive possibilities of the human form in Body Language, a hands-on sculpture workshop focused on creating figurative-inspired works that communicate personal ideas, memories, beliefs, and experiences.

Through a combination of ceramics, found objects, and mixed media, participants will explore how the body can become a vehicle for storytelling and expression. We’ll experiment with sculptural form, gesture, texture, and composition while incorporating materials and techniques such as collage, found objects, and fused glass to expand and enhance each piece.

Rather than focusing on anatomical accuracy, this workshop encourages you to interpret the figure in your own way. Participants will develop personal themes and visual ideas while discovering how materials, objects, and the human form can work together to create meaningful, expressive sculpture.

Whether your work is inspired by a specific memory, personal belief, or lived experience, Body Language offers space to experiment, take creative risks, and develop a unique visual language through mixed-media sculpture.

Materials To Bring:

• Found objects
• Collage materials
• Sketchbook or notebook

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Materials Provided & Studio Firing

Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of ^6-10 stoneware clay. A bisque firing will take place midweek. Basic studio tools and materials are provided, and participants will have 24-hour access to the studio throughout the workshop.

Please bring packing materials to safely transport any greenware and bisqueware. Not all pieces made during the workshop will be dry enough to be fired.

Schedule:

Thursday

• 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Studio Introduction

Friday

• 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio / Free Time

Saturday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio / Free Time

Sunday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio / Free Time

Monday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio / Free Time

Tuesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00–10:30 AM: Final Making & Refining
• 10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Group Critique, Discussion, Workshop Wrap-Up, Studio Clean-Up
• 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends

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View frequently asked questions here!