Fantasy Sculpture

Intuitive Figurative Sculpture From Imagination

(Please arrive 20 minutes early. Parking is ample and easy. )

— PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO SUPPLY THEIR OWN MATERIALS (LISTED AT BOTTOM). JOHN WILL HAVE SOME MATERIALS AND REFERENCES TO SUPPLEMENT. —

Making the jump from figure drawing to conceptual sculpture can be a huge challenge.

In this four-day workshop, students will learn how to approach sculpting in an intuitive way, with emphasis on anatomical and imaginative input. Students will leave the 4 days with a completed sculpture.

John Mahoney has spent a lifetime analyzing and reconstructing figures in the pursuit of strong characters and fascinating stories. He has over 30 years experience in animation, illustration, sculpture, and concept development, working with clients such as Disney, Lucasfilm, Hasbro, and Netflix. His work has been featured in Heavy Metal Magazine, Spectrum, and the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.

He is also a master teacher, having led a full range of courses in figure drawing, sculpture, film design, storyboards, stop motion animation, and character design, in the United Stated as well as in Singapore and Taiwan.

THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:

I. DAY 1 - 6/17:

• INTRO -
• REFERENCES, IDEATION, ARMATURE
• A presentation by John on his career history and working methods.
• Students will start off by sketching ideas and collecting references for their sculpture. John will then guide students through the construction of armatures (frameworks around which the sculpture is built) in preparation for the next day of anatomical construction.

II. DAY 2 - 6/18:

• ANATOMY -
• This is the major working session for adding anatomy and mass to the sculpture.

III. DAY 3 - 6/24:

• FLESH AND COSTUME
• Students will begin developing fleshy surface qualities that support character and effect. Any major costume and accessory elements will also be added.

IV. DAY 4 - 6/25:

• FINISHING, DETAILING, AND PAINTING
• Students will finish their sculpture - combining everything they’ve learned in the past three days. This session will finish with a group critique and discussion.

MATERIALS TO BRING:

• One Package of Chavant NSP Medium Clay Green
  
• Armature Wire 1/8
  
• Armature Wire 3/16
  
• Thin Green Wire
  
• Epoxy
  
• One wood base, at least 3/4 inch thick
  
• Basic Sculpture Tools