In this three hour live virtual workshop, sculptor Robin Whiteman will demonstrate several stages of her anthropomorphic marbled clay totems starting with preparing the clay, building the form, hollowing, carving, hand sculpting the animal head on the human figure, and finally discussing surface enahncement using slip decorations. Sculpting techniques, tools, materials, and technical considerations will be discussed as well as Robin’s approach to this work and its inspirations.About this line of work, Robin states “I approach this work with a light touch. It is my fun, easy work. An antidote to labored-over porcelain series, but just as valued. I know I’m successful when the figures have both presence and a sense of joy and ease. They conjure to me a love and reverence for our non-human brothers and sisters, as well as objects and makers that have come before us. The marbled clay, with its inherent chaos, makes sure that I never have complete control over the outcome, which is just the way I want it to be.”