Melanie Furtado
Sculpting the Figure
September 22nd - 30th, 2024
Sold out
Sculpting the Figure
Melanie Furtado
LOCATION
Marsala, Sicily
DATE
September 22nd - 30th, 2024
PRICE
$3800
NON PARTICIPATING PARTNER
$1500
MEDIUM
Water based clay
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
All levels welcome
CLASS SIZE
Maximum 13
RETREAT DETAILS
Delve into a week of hands-on immersion, shaping the human form with clay, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sicily. Whether you're a budding sculptor or a seasoned artist, Melanie's workshop offers a comprehensive experience tailored for all.
Learn the principles of sculpting the human form in clay under the radiant Sicilian sun in this all-inclusive retreat.
With a live model as your muse, we will explore the world of clay, bringing to life the volume, gesture, and intricacies of the human form in three dimensions.
-
Learn all about working with clay, including making your works kiln-ready.
-
Master the use of sculpting tools to create life-like forms in clay
-
Delve into the foundation of anatomy to understand the structure
-
Learn a simple system of measurement to capture figure proportions with precision.
-
Elegantly portray the fluidity of the figure at rest.
Beyond these core competencies, Melanie will teach you:
-
The balance of observational and intuitive artistry while sculpting from a model.
-
Self-assessment techniques to critically evaluate and refine your artwork.
-
Optimal working methods to quickly improve your sculpting outcomes.
Blending instructive exercises with extended sculpting sessions, Melanie's guidance will focus on capturing a prolonged pose of the figure in serene repose. In addition to working in the studio, the group will make day trips to visit must-see locations and learn more about the historical importance and impact Sicily had on the world of sculpture and art. Join us for a sculpture retreat that will inspire your artistic spirit and lift you to new levels in your figure sculpting.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
Materials & Tools:
High-quality clay and a full set of sculpting tools are provided to ensure you can craft without limitations! -
Culture & Cuisine:
Bond with Melanie and fellow participants as you enjoy home-cooked Italian lunches at our studio, followed by sumptuous dinners at the hotel. It's a culinary journey through Sicily's finest. -
Historic Explorations:
Venture to the ancient ruins of classical greek citadels, and explore some of the best-preserved examples of Greek temples. Embark on a trip to the island of Mozia, a hidden gem, home to historic sculptural discoveries. -
Live Model Sessions:
Each day, be inspired by a live model, with 360-degree access in a professional studio. Nothing will stand between you and creating a masterpiece. -
Guidance & Feedback:
Every day Melanie will give live demonstrations and personalized one-on-one feedback, ensuring a transformative leap in your sculpting skills.
Overview
NUMBER OF NIGHTS:
8 nights
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
HOW TO REACH US:
Pickup from Palermo (PMO) airport
See our pickup policy
MATERIALS:
Water based clay is included
EQUIPMENT:
The workshop includes all the modeling tools and clay needed to complete your own bust.
ACCOMODATION
You will be staying at Baglio Custera, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marsala’s countryside. Known for its gardens and luxurious swimming pool, this modern resort stands on the Rakalia hill, the site of an ancient shrine to Hercules, surrounded by olive and orange groves. Baglio Custera is a brand new hotel built on ancient lines, those of the "baglio," or farmhouse.
From start to finish enjoy the extraordinary cuisine of he region influenced by the unique flavors of the Mediterranean. Garden-fresh vegetables, ancient grains, and seafood. All meals, accommodation, and daily ground transport are Included in your package, including a celebratory welcome dinner and a farewell Sicilian feast.
Car rental is not necessary but recommended.
Melanie Furtado
Melanie Furtado is an award-winning sculptor who explores the universality of emotional states through the human figure. Born in Victoria, BC, on Canada's West Coast, she graduated in Fine Arts from the Victoria College of Art in 2011, and continued her studies to master the traditional techniques of figurative sculpture. Her work has been internationally exhibited in Canada, Japan, England and France.
Furtado has been selected for residencies including Jour et Nuit Culture in Paris (2018- 2020), Arteles Creative Center in Finland (February 2020), and Antony Gormley's High House residency in Norfolk, England.
She is also a passionate art educator. Since 2011, Furtado has helped hundreds of artists learn to master the foundations of traditional figure sculpting through in-person classes, online courses, and intensive workshops. She has been leading immersive sculpture retreats in Europe since 2015, and loves to help students discover the masters of the past and learn traditional methods to bring their sculpting to the next level.
Melanie Furtado currently lives and creates out of her studio in the artistic capital of Paris, France.