Groundworks Art Lab

This workshop explores expressive figurative sculpture, using the human face and bust as a foundation for both observation and experimentation. Participants will begin by sketching and developing ideas, building an understanding of structure, proportion, and expression.

From sketch to clay, participants will construct head and bust forms using handbuilding techniques such as coiling, slab building, and hollowing. These foundational forms will then be expanded through the addition of distorted, hybrid, and unconventional elements, encouraging a shift beyond traditional representation.

The workshop will also introduce playful surface approaches using slip, inspired by Buncheong techniques (분청: Korean decorative technique). Through layering, marking, and spontaneous gestures, participants will explore how both intentional and unintentional touches create unique and expressive surfaces.

This process driven workshop invites participants to experiment, take risks, and discover their own visual language. Rather than focusing on perfect likeness, the emphasis is on shaping ideas into form and allowing the work to evolve through making.

Each student will receive 25lbs of clay. A carving knife and a wooden modeling tool will be provided. However, for more diverse surface exploration, participants are encouraged to bring additional tools. Items with interesting textures—such as stones from your yard or unique tools and objects from your kitchen or toolbox—are welcome. Please bring at least one item to experiment with.

This is an all level workshop, and anyone with a love for clay and a desire to explore and learn is warmly welcome.

About the instructor: Eunjoo Kang 강 은 주
Eunjoo Kang is a ceramic artist and sculptor whose work explores expressive figurative forms rooted in observation and personal narrative. Drawing from her Korean heritage and personal experiences, she reflects on identity and a sense of hope through contemporary approaches to surface, texture, and the emotional presence of the human figure. She received her BFA in Ceramics from Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea, and participated in the Korea College Outstanding Exhibition. Since moving to the United States, she has exhibited at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival where she received the 3rd Place Artist Award, and will participate in Sculpture in the Park in Loveland this year. She is a member of the Boulder Potters’ Guild, where she teaches.

To learn more about Eunjoo please visit her website, or check out her instagram. 

Please Note: Firing service is not included; if you wish to fire your pieces an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

This class takes place at Groundworks Main (3750 Canfield St.)

Ages: 16+