Jenny Chan

Figurative Sculpture

13th - 14th September 2027 | 2 Day Workshop | £450

During this two-day hand building workshop students will create their own unique female bust with the support and guidance of ceramic sculptor Jenny Chan. Students will learn how to construct a figurative sculpture using clay slabs, understand facial proportions, sculpt facial features, and develop their own artistic style through personal details and surface decoration.

Book your place 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Course in Detail

During this immersive two-day workshop students will discover figurative sculpture and create their own unique female bust, approximately 25cm tall. 

The workshop will introduce slab-building techniques and the use of specially prepared moulds to create the body, face and back of the head. These moulds provide good structural support, allowing students to focus on learning essential sculpting skills. Jenny will guide students through facial proportions, sculpting the nose, mouth and eyes, assembling the head, and attaching it to the body. 

Students will personalise their sculpture by adding hair, accessories, textures and decorative details that reflect their own artistic style. Students will also learn how to refine the form and smooth the clay surface, with the option of applying coloured slips if desired.

Throughout the workshop, Jenny will demonstrate each stage, provide individual guidance and encourage creative exploration, ensuring every participant leaves with a sculpture that is uniquely their own. 

There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ pieces will be bisque fired following the course and all pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later.

Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention. There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work with their fellow students and on a one-to-one basis with Jenny.

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.

USEFUL INFO

Course Breakdown

Day 1: The first day will start with an introductory slideshow featuring a variety of figurative sculpture styles. Students will then spend time preparing clay slabs and start to form the body of their piece using a provided body mould.

Jenny will guide students in creating the face and the back of the head using provided moulds and will help students to understand facial proportions.

Towards the end of the day students will start to sculpt facial features including the nose, mouth and eyes and will join the face and back of the head to create a complete head.

Day 2: On the second day students will start attaching the head to the body. Jenny will support students in adding features such as hair, accessories and personal design details.

Students will refine the sculpture and smooth the clay surface, adding textures and decorative patterns. Coloured slips can be applied for any students who wish to use these.

Following the workshop the sculptures will be left to dry then fired in our kilns. All bisque fired pieces will be ready to collect a few weeks later.

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.

Book your space

Key information

  • DATE

    Saturday 19th - Sunday 20th June 2027

  • CLASS SIZE

    Maximum 10 students

  • LEVEL

    LEVEL

    All levels welcome

  • CLAY TYPE

    Stoneware

  • COST

    £450 (Flexible payment plans)

  • FOOD & DRINK

    A two-course lunch will be provided each day

GUEST POTTER BIO

About Jenny

Jenny Chan is a self-taught ceramic sculptor specialising in figurative sculpture, particularly female forms and contemporary ceramic portraits. Born in Hong Kong and now based in the UK, Jenny creates expressive sculptures that explore individuality, emotions and the stories behind each face. 

Jenny has developed a distinctive style combining elegant forms, detailed craftsmanship and thoughtful surface decoration. Her work has been exhibited at various UK art fairs and exhibitions, including Bath Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair Battersea, Art in Clay Windsor, Celebrating Ceramics and the Royal West of England Academy Annual Open Exhibition. She was also selected for the Crafts Council Hothouse Programme and received a Judges’ Commendation at Leamington Spa Open. 

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Level

All Levels welcome 

Suitable for both beginners and intermediate ceramic artists who would like to explore female figurative sculpture. Moulds are provided to help participants focus on developing creativity and sculptural techniques. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The Schedule

  • The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.

  • On the second day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.

  • A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

A delicious home cooked two-course lunch will be provided each day

As well as refreshments throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.

    We are happy to arrange transits to and from local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.

    To see examples of local accommodation, click here.

  • Once the pieces are completed, they will be left to dry and then fired in our kilns. For those who would like their pieces to be glazed in a transparent glaze, our technicians will do this after bisque firing and then they will be fired again. These will be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).

    • There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:

    £5 per 500g for glazed work

    £6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide

    £10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width

    £2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed

    Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.

  • Yes! Morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided each day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.

  • If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk