Sculpting Spirit Animals
Dates: Thursdays (February 4 - March 11, 2021)
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 am (EST)
Number of Classes: Six (6)
$120
ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST
Alvaro Luna
BIO
Born in Lima, Perú in 1973, he currently resides in Harlem. Alvaro began his education at the Instituto Peruano de Publicidad in Lima, initially studying Advertising Design. In 2001 he arrived in the USA and went deep into art as a form of escapism. Further on, Professor Robert Liberace introduced him to Anatomy and the figure. Once emerged on that path he enrolled at the New York Academy of Art to obtain his Masters in Fine Arts degree, concentration on sculpture. Since then, Alvaro has been sculpting, drawing, instructing and exhibiting in the NYC area, California, and various other cities.
ART STATEMENT
Alvaro’s work renders the human anatomy through loose lines, rhythms and balance. By putting strength on vulnerability, Luna creates an unapologetic narrative. Most of the time, he lets the mediums take control but at the end, the message is controlled by him. He lives through every single drip, stroke and brush administered. No precision and no planning is necessary and whatever is revealed at the end becomes a pleasant surprise. Each color moves intricately around on its own, bringing life into the piece. Each figure come off of the page as if arriving from a climactic, yet surreal dream. Each figure, constantly moving. Never dormant and never quiet.
CONTACT INFO
Email: blackluna73@gmail.com
Website: https://artistluna.com/
Instagram: @blackluna73
TITLE OF THE COURSE:
Sculpting Spirit Animals
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will make a sculpture of their “spirit animal” (a figurative work that depict the fusion between a human and animal. Students will develop a hands on project using Magic Sculpt (or alternative Epoxy Clay) to create a figure that combines animal structures aiming to resemble themselves, a loved one, a friend, or any relative. Students will be encouraged o attaching to the figure one or reversal found objects containers of sentimental value.
LEARNING OUTCOME (OBJECTIVES)
Symbols
Animal symbology
How to use of Magic Sculpt
Recycling, up-cycling, re-using materials and objects
Making of an object as carried of meaning
Appreciating the hand-made rather than buying made objects
COURSE OUTLINE/TIMELINE
Day one (February 04, 2021)
Introduction: Everyone will introduce themselves (all they can say in 5 minutes) total 30-45 minutes
Overview of the Class and Materials (Please make the list of materials and tools, you want them to buy the materials before the class)
Presentation (a PowerPoint presentation?) Reference images and inspiration (mood board) (a pdf will be provided with links and resources) Homework: To collect animal reference and a picture person to sculpt.
ANNOUNCEMENT: All students will be encouraged to take pics of every step until the piece is finished.
Day two (February 11, 2021)
Teacher’s Demonstration (Starting with the making of a Sketch: Combine one or 2 animals with a human face, head, of a loved one)
Picking of objects that will like to be added to the piece such as stones, marbles as eyes, doll props, etc.
Building of the Armature; using the sketch as reference
The use of Aluminum Foil to Fill the masses on the armature (the use of tape might be necessary)
Day three (February 18, 2021)
To make 10 texture tests on small pieces of clay, using variety of surfaces, or making them with tools, to prepare a reference catalog for final stage. Let them set, primer them and test paint on each one of them
To explain the properties of Epoxy clay, how to use it, and tools.
Demonstration
Let them sculpt
Day four (February 25, 2021)
Demonstration of post edit (like the use of files to shape hardened Epoxy)
Start adding the first volume of clay and let it set
Let them sculpt
Once main form is done, well proceed to add details
Once its set, we’ll polish it with files, etc
Day five (March 04, 2021)
Once piece is set, firm, and refined, we’ll primer it and start painting process based on texture tests
Let them sculpt
Day six (March 11, 2021)
Present finished piece
Final Critic
Encouragement to photograph their work the best they can for a Class Online Exhibition (a photo of the work with great lighting, perhaps staged with a nice background or white box, black box)
CLASS TIMELINE
All demonstrations, presentations and Q&A will be done during the first hour of class.
5-10 minutes break
One on one assistance
10 minutes before the time is over, to assign the homework.
MATERIAL LIST
1 Lb Magic-Sculpt (Kit A and B) - For ambitious projects please consider buying the 5 Lb Kit
https://shop.sculpt.com/magic-sculpt-magic-sculpt-natural.html
Sculpting supplies, here are some links:
https://arteza.com/dp/pottery-clay-sculpting-tools-set-of-42
https://shop.sculpt.com/sculpture-house-artists-choice-clay-modeling-tool.html
Regular school plasticine
Thick modeling wire 1/8” is fine for this project
Thin modeling wire
Sponges
Foil paper
Plastic Wrap
Brushes
Small wood base (if needed)
Latex gloves
Face mask
Primer
Roller
Files, rough and fine
Acrylic colors
Marbles, glass eyes, any found object that you wish to incorporate in this project.
