Discover a unique affection for the human body through whimsical clay creation
There is a beauty in recreating what we look at in the mirror every day. Whether your feelings are harsh or accepting of your own body or others, moulding a medium such as clay into a female form can be a healing and rewarding experience. When we are able to allow ourselves the opportunity to observe something being made slowly and with patience, it might provide us a new perspective and appreciation for what it takes to exist. I believe all bodies are worthy of artful musings.
Meet your teacher
Alexandra Butler is a ceramic artist living in the South West shire of Margaret River in Western Australia. Her love affair with clay and more specifically the female form began 3 years ago during the height of the pandemic. Being a mother of three Alex has witnessed firsthand and embodied the dramatic changes that occur to the body during a woman's journey into motherhood. Pregnancy, child birth and postpartum inspired the beginning of Bless This Mess Ceramics. However, time and experience has shifted her special interest in the creation of female form into a mission to normalise and neutralise body image.
What you will learn:
- Beginner information such as the different types and stages of clay
- How to roll clay coils and form a pinch pot to use as a base for your piece
- How to create legs, bums, bellies and breasts on a hollow clay form and in order
- How to refine details and accentuate certain areas of the body
- How to use various pottery tools to improve the outcome of your piece
"The Female Form workshop taught me a lot about the basics of pottery as well as all the techniques necessary for creating a hollow female body. It was very easy to follow and highly descriptive." - Student feedback from Stacey
"Alex's female form workshop was such a fun experience. She explains everything clearly and also supported us to explore our own individual artistic journey. Alex has created such a special workshop and I absolutely love my curvaceous creation. Highly recommend!" Student feedback from Sarah
"Being a novice to any clay based course, I found Alex's course to be really fun, in-depth and an informative tutorial in producing a female form sculpture with a clay based medium." Student feedback from Nicky