Have you ever wanted to create a figurative sculpture… but didn’t know where to start?
Maybe you’ve tried sculpting figures before.
But the structure collapses.
The clay feels too heavy.
The form loses strength.
And the result doesn’t match what you imagined.
Figurative sculpture doesn’t fail because of lack of talent.
It fails because of lack of method.
We offer you a workshop where you will learn, through a clear, solid and professional approach, how to build figurative sculptures using paper clay and slab construction. Taught exclusively at ElTorn by American ceramic artist C. A. “Cat” Traen.
A method that will allow you to work with more freedom, larger scale and greater confidence.
About the instructor
C.A. “Cat” Traen is an international ceramic artist and educator with over 20 years of experience. She teaches at the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University (USA), and has led workshops and exhibited across the United States, Europe and Asia. Her work has received international awards in Taiwan and China, and she is known for her clear, accessible and structured approach to teaching ceramic sculpture.
Get to know how she gets inspired: here an interview we made to Cat.
Why this workshop is different
✅ Learn directly from an international artist and educator
Cat Traen is a university professor in the United States and teaches workshops internationally.
✅ A proven, accessible and highly effective method
This approach removes many of the technical obstacles that block sculptors.
✅ Build a complete sculpture in just 3 days
You will leave with a finished piece and, more importantly, the knowledge to continue.
What will change in your work
🔶 You will be able to create larger sculptures without fear of collapse
🔶 You will understand how to build figures structurally, not intuitively
🔶 You will incorporate a professional method used by contemporary sculptors
Who it’s for
✅ Ceramicists who want to introduce the human figure into their work
✅ Sculptors who want to work at a larger scale
✅ Motivated beginners
✅ Experienced artists who want to strengthen their technique
No previous experience in figurative sculpture is required. All levels are welcome.
What will you learn in this workshop
✅ Build hollow figurative sculptures
✅ Work with paper clay
✅ Use slab construction techniques in sculpture
✅ Translate references into three-dimensional volume
✅ Understand proportions and basic body structure
✅ Build torso, limbs and head
✅ Work on facial details and expression
✅ Assemble parts and create a coherent figure
✅ Develop surface and final finish
✅ You will complete a full sculpture during the workshop
Program
Part 1:
- slides and references
- hips and torso (proportions and form)
- shoulders
- arms and neck
Part 2:
- head
- layout
- step by step: facial details
- proportion review
Part 3:
- references
- assembling parts and defining gesture
- surface work
- cognitive textures
Part 4:
- hands
- hair
- clothing
- final finish
This workshop will be taught in Spanish and English.
Workshop price: €395 (materials included)
Dates: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 (with a 40-minute break). New dates to be confirmed.
THIS COURSE INCLUDES
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Paper clay and tools
-
Bisque firing
Check here the following dates on our annual calendar>
This masterclass is for up to 10 students. It will take place with a minimum of 6 students. If you have signed up and paid and the course doesn’t take place, we’ll refund you the total amount paid. ElTornBarcelona cannot be responsible for procurement or losses incurred on travel arrangements. **Please take this into consideration when booking your flights and accommodation.
