Arrival : Monday 15th September
End date: Saturday 20th September departure 20th or 21st.
A hands on clay workshop exploring the use of expression within figurative ceramics led by internationally renowned sculptor Sharon Griffin!
Set in the heart of the truly unspoilt picturesque fairytale village of Sauveterre de Bearn in the South of France, you will be inspired by the land, its stories and history to produce wonderful imaginative sculptures in clay. Staying in a 12th Century Guard House Medieval Castle with its very own 1000 year old stone spiral staircase leading up overlooking the river and picturesque village, you will be fully immersed in the fairytale.
Join me to create a series of busts in a fun and energetic way, learning to ‘let go’ of preconceived ideas and re-discover your inner child!
Hosted by Artist and Therapist Magdalena Groszek, passionate about holistic living, sustainability, and local food production, you will have time to explore the village, be led on a walk and talk tour and have the opportunity to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
In this 5 day course you will:
- Be introduced to a huge range of fast making techniques to produce human features!
- Take part in a series of fun and energetic studies of noses, eyes, mouths and ears to form a face.
- Enjoy experimenting and playing with expression using simple and effective gestural marks with minimal use of tools.
- Make a semi life sized clay bust in just a few hours from start to finish without the use of an armature.
You will also have opportunity to take part in the following:
- Explore ancient pilgrim routes and investigate historical representations of the figure in the area of Sauveterre de Bearn (the camino trail runs right through here).
- Take part in a clay dig next to the river and learn how to use local clay and oxides within your work.
- visit the Gugenheim in Bilbao for inspiration (1 day visit).
- Visit of spectacular prehistoric caves optional trip.
Please note: This workshop will not be focussed on a detailed study of the anatomy of the face. It is aimed at capturing the emotion, feeling and character of the human face with references taken from composite images.
At the end of this week, you will come away with a minimum of 1 finished piece of work in clay (this will be sent out to you after the course is completed)
In your spare time you will see the magnificent views of the Pyrenees mountains from the tower or the terrace of the village, there are wonderful walks in nature around the island in the river and the medieval village to explore and you can wild water swim in the river! It’s spectacular.
The Guardhouse is especially designed and equipped for artist workshops and retreats. With room for up to 8 guests, the rooms are exquisite, filled with inspirational artefacts and curiosities finished to the highest standard.
Access to workshop space and all materials are open 24/7 with tutor-led sessions 10-4 daily. All Materials are included.
A truly exciting, immersive experience for anyone who has an interest in sculpting the figure. No experience with clay necessary (but preferred)
Note: as with all ancient buildings, the physical space has many steps and sadly wheelchair access is not available at this time.
Goals
- Learn how to create a life sized clay bust from start to finish in just 5 days.
- Explore fast playful making techniques using slabs of clay.
- Be inspired by the french medieval townscape and local surroundings to help tell a story within your clay sculpture.
- Immerse yourself in a highly creative workshop and allow yourself to ‘play’!
Specifications
Cost: 3400 euros (excluding flights and transfers) Closest airport Biarritz, ryan air flights and 22 European destinations. Train station close by.
Details:
5 day course.16th-20th September
4 full days in the studio and 1 day visit to Bilbao Art Gallery and Museum.
Arrive Monday 15th September
Studio Day: Tuesday 16th 10-4
Studio Day: Wednesday 17th 10-4 evening talk/ artist focus 7pm
Visit to Bilbao/ City/Place of interest (TBC) Thursday 18th
Studio Day: Friday 19th 10-4 with celebration evening 7pm onwards
Studio Day: Saturday 20th 10-4pm
Travel home Sunday 21st
What is included:
- Welcome appetizers and drinks and dinner
- 5 days of instruction (4 x days studio, 1 day drawing/study in Museum)
- An awesome studio with clay, glazes, tools and workbenches
- 5- continental breakfasts
- 6 – 3 course dinners that include a glass of wine, tea, or coffee
- 4 light lunches
- Daily coffee, tea, and water
- Lodging in a beautiful private room at the 1000 year old castle. Lodging is also where the workshop takes place so it’s extremely convenient.
- half day local trip
At the time of registration, 50% or 1700 Euros is due. The balance (1700 euros) is due 90 days before the class or on 16th July 2025. If for any reason we cancel we will refund all bar 500 euros admin cost ( this has never happened yet) If you have flights you can still come and do a residency in case of emergency that Sharon cannot teach. But see below for travel insurance. Take out all cause travel insurance.
Registration for the class is open until July 16th, 2025.
You may pay using a credit card or Stripe. Please contact MagdalenaGroszek at info@be-artz.com to register. Stripe issues the invoice and takes the credit card payment and they charge 5%, so when you ask Magdalena to register for the workshop she will send you a stripe invoice ( or Paypal if you prefer) and you pay by card to Beartz via Stripe.
You may also pay using a bank transfer in euros, pounds, dollars or other currencies. This is less expensive for us and we can send you an IBAN or a domestic US dollar transfer account.
It’s highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance incase you need to cancel your trip.
IMPORTANT. TRAVEL INSURANCE. There is no refund for the deposit if the class is not full, but still takes place. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take out all cause travel insurance so you are covered if you have to cancel for whatever reason. If the class is full with a waiting list or you can find a replacement for your spot or if the class is cancelled from our end, Be-artz will refund less cost of bank fees. Cancellations almost never happen and only one person has had to cancel from all the workshops Be-artz has offered.
TO REGISTER: please contact Magdalena Groszek at info@be-artz.com you will need to pay the 1700 euros to reserve your place.
Unless you opt out by writing, Be-artz has the right to use photographs from the workshop including participants for publicity and archive materials.
