My personal thoughts on the sculpting process:

  • React, feel, interpret, but don’t think. Let your eyes direct your hand.
  • Learn how to sculpt what you see so that you can consciously choose what to leave out.
  • Sculpture is volume, look for large shapes first.
  • Be aware of negative and positive space.
  • Control the viewer's eye.
  • The eye is controlled by: capturing light, negative/positive space, the flow of "lines" between elements.
  • "Line" also applies to sculpture.
  • Don’t draw.
  • Sculpture has black, white and grey, keep it balanced - black isn't always necessary.
  • The surface should happen as a result of applying the clay, however you can create texture last.
  • Don’t force a style on yourself, it will emerge.
  • Learn when to stop.
  • Look at the work of others.
  • Use a mirror to see more objectively.
  • Step away physically and emotionally to critique your work.
  • While you are learning, have your work critiqued by someone who will tell you the truth.
  • Cover your work, don’t look at your piece for two weeks - if you are still satisfied, you are done.
  • Sculpting is YOUR time! It's who you are, you need it and deserve it, so DO it!