Skill Building Workshop: Narrative Portraits w/Michelle Solorzano

Workshop Description:

In this immersive 2-day workshop, participants will create a 3⁄4 life-sized bust of a person of their choice. We’ll start with simple forms, primarily cylinders, which will be altered and assembled to form the basic structure. Using reference images capturing the front, sides, and back of your chosen subject’s head, you’ll learn to build a hollow bust using the slab-building technique. To bring the sculpture to life, you’ll incorporate additional elements to enhance the story behind your portrait. We’ll explore ways to convey narrative through techniques like repetition, exaggeration, emphasis, and abstraction.

Techniques Covered:
• Hollow form building using slab construction
• Basic human anatomy, with emphasis on accurate proportions using reference images

Materials:
Sculpture Clay (provided by studio)
Sculpting tools: sponge, knife, wooden/metal modeling tools, silicone rib, serrated rib, seamstress tape.

Course Policies

Refunds are not allowed after the course begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. Refunds requested prior to this will be honored minus Humanitix fees. If you would like to request a refund, email studio@amoca.org.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

AMOCA follows current Los Angeles County COVID guidelines. We encourage you to keep up to date on vaccines, wear a mask if you'd like to, and stay healthy!

Your Instructor

Michelle Solorzano is a figurative ceramic sculptor originally from the Dominican Republic. She holds a BFA in Painting and Ceramics from SUNY Potsdam and an MFA in Ceramics from Indiana University. Solorzano’s work explores themes of immigration, identity, and culture, blending Taino, African, and Spanish influences. Solorzano is a 2024-2025 Artist in Residence at AMOCA.