Creature Comforts: Sculpting Animals in Clay

In this hands-on sculpture workshop, participants will explore form, storytelling, and creative construction through animal-inspired clay work. Beginning with a relief tile as a way of “sketching” in clay, students will study form and develop ideas through texture, line, and dimension.

From there, participants will create a small bird sculpture, using the project to explore storytelling through subject matter and learn techniques for engineering ceramic pieces to incorporate found objects. The workshop will then move on to a larger animal sculpture, where students will learn to use an armature to support and construct more complex forms.

Throughout the workshop, demonstrations and individual guidance will help participants develop their sculpting skills while considering how form, surface, and added elements can give a piece personality and narrative. On the final day, the instructor will demonstrate using ink as a cold-finishing process, offering another approach to enhancing surface, detail, and character after firing.

Materials To Bring

• *Suggested sculpting tools
• Brushes
• Towel
• Personal specialty tools, if desired

*A more detailed suggested tool list and links will be provided before the workshop.

Materials Provided & Studio Firing

Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of clay. 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. Pieces made during the workshop will not be dry enough to be fired.

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Schedule:

Sunday

• 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Introductions, Workshop Overview & Get Settled

Monday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Tuesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Wednesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time 
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time 
• Evening: Chef’s Night Off — explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
• Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Thursday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time 
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Friday

• 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
• 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends

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View frequently asked questions here!