During the work, we focus on the anatomy and structural balance of the figure, while always keeping in mind the emotional expression of a particular pose. Standing, seated or reclining figures will emerge, exploring the human body and its earthly weight. Mythological themes may also play a role. The experience and skills acquired during the course will enable us to approach the work with increasing freedom.

Bärbel Dieckmann supports and guides the participants’ working processes with clear, direct and professional feedback.

As a sculptor, I seek to connect the structural balance of the anatomical body with the inherent structure of the material. The resulting clay sculptures are created in such a way that they can subsequently be fired. I enjoy finding the appropriate way of translating a particular sculptural idea into the material. This applies both to my own artistic work and to the works of the participants I accompany. I offer individual guidance and explain what is technically possible and what is not. On this basis, many exciting objects reflecting the participants’ own ideas and wishes have been realised in my courses.

I believe there is an analogy between the materiality of clay and the weight of the human body. Through my own experience of modelling, I have discovered the sensuality of beautiful bodily forms. I would like to share this idea with other people who are interested in the human body.

Bärbel Dieckmann

Technical information:

The course is structured so that the sculptures can be taken home in a leather-hard state and fired afterwards. There is a pottery school in Ticino that accepts firing commissions. If you would like to have your work fired there, the sculptures may be up to 60 cm high and 80 cm wide. Larger works can also be fired in separate sections.

If you have access to a kiln near your place of residence, it would be useful to find out its dimensions in advance and bring this information with you to the course.