Emotive Portraits with Andréa Connell
- Details
- Location
- Class Outline:
- About The Artist
- Policies
- Liability & Safety
In this 2 day workshop, artist-instructor Andréa Connell will demonstrate techniques used to create emotive portraits out of clay. Participants will be taught how to hollow build a bust and sculpt their desired character through various handbuilding methods. This workshop will focus on how to communicate emotions through glaze and gesture; with a short demonstration on underglazing techniques and firing methods on the second day.
All levels welcome, though some basic handbuilding experience is recommended.
1600 Altamont Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
This is a two-day workshop meeting on:
- Saturday, November 21st, 2026: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, November 22nd, 2026: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This workshop is ideal for students interested in pushing scale, developing confidence with hollow construction, and integrating sculptural narrative and surface design in a complex form. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, structural awareness, and cultivating a bold, individual voice in clay.
All levels welcome, though some basic handbuilding experience is recommended
Day One: Form & Structure
We will begin by developing concepts and reference sketches, focusing on how to translate the character and anatomy of the subject into a strong sculptural presence. Demonstrations will cover Andréa’s approach to hollow construction and the history of a bust. Students will learn how to engineer their forms while maintaining balance and durability.
Day Two: Refinement & Surface
The second day centers on refining form, articulating features, and exploring surface. Participants will address carving, additive detailing, and strategies for creating expressive texture that enhances the personality of the piece. Technical discussions will include drying protocols, structural reinforcement, and preparing complex forms for firing. Participants will leave with a greenware sculpture and a clear understanding of how to finish, fire, and glaze their work successfully.
Additional Information
- Still Life will provide cone 5 clay for each participant
- Busts must be under 12" in any direction
- Participants should bring their favorite sculpting tools; limited communal tools are available
- Bisque firing is included in the workshop fee
- Participants can also choose to bring their greenware home after the workshop to continue developing their bust
- Glaze firing can also be arranged with the studio for an additional fee
- Open to all skill levels
Bio: Andréa Keys Connell (b. 1980) is an Associate Professor of Ceramics in the Department of Art at Appalachian State University. Her work has been widely recognized, featured in national and international publications such as Colossal and The New York Times. She has exhibited internationally in galleries and museums, including the Jane Hartsook Gallery in New York City and the Gaya Culture and Art Center in Goryeong, Korea. With over 20 solo exhibitions since 2009, she is represented by Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, NC, and J Mackey Gallery in the East Hamptons. Beyond her studio practice, Andréa has extensive experience in public art commissions and collaborative projects. Her recent collaboration with Susan Alexandra in New York City was featured in Wirecutter. In addition to exhibiting her work and teaching at App State, Andréa is an accomplished educator who has led figure-sculpting workshops at renowned craft schools, including Penland, Haystack, Arrowmont, Centre d’arts Rozynski, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. She has also been invited to present as a demonstrating artist at major conferences such as NCECA, Women Working in Clay, and The Bascom’s Annual Clay Symposium.
Artist Statement: “My sculptures embody the profound presence of love, longing, humor, and grief that have shaped my life since becoming a mother. Each piece seeks to express the universal, nonverbal experience of motherhood—that tender, intimate space where the joys and sorrows of loving a child intertwine, touching every aspect of the world around me. Figures and natural elements shift between embrace and support, leaning into each other as though deeply connected. Sometimes, my pieces convey harmonious balance; other times, they seem on the edge of collapse. In my studio, a sculpture about holding exists beside one about breaking. To me, these ideas are inseparable: we hold to avoid breaking, and we break because we understand the weight of holding. I work with a gritty, earthen clay body—rich in sand, grog, and fibers. Its raw texture and earthy tone feel both strong and vulnerable. This clay endures fire, weight, and constant shaping, yet its surface reveals its essence. This material allows me to build with honesty and speed, leaving little room for refinement. I work in bursts of energy, seizing fleeting moments between life’s interruptions. The urgency of my process reflects the beautiful, imperfect messiness of motherhood itself. I reject the notion that solitude is necessary for meaningful art. My life is my practice. Motherhood has given me a shared language to explore what I value most: the ways we care for one another and how that care transforms us.”
By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
Cancellations made 4 or more days before the start of the class will be refunded. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.
Liability & Safety
All students must agree to the following upon registering for a class or workshop at Still Life Studio:
Waivers and Safety for Ceramic Classes and Studio Use
- Students will follow all instructions by teacher.
- Students will not load, unload or operate the kilns.
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Do not wear articles of clothing or jewelry that hang off the body.
- Closed footwear is required.
- Do not use any equipment without a staff member present.
- SLS will provide safety glasses or gloves upon request.
- All completed work must be picked up from Still Life Studio no later than 4 weeks after the student’s final class. Still Life Studio is not responsible for any work left longer than 4 weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up their work.
I hereby release and agree to hold Still Life Studio harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of the studio, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from Still Life Studio. I understand that this release discharges Still Life Studio from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the studio with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from Still Life Studio. This liability waiver and release extends to the studio together with all owners, partners, and employees.
Liability Waiver
In connection with my involvement in ceramic classes at Still Life Studio, I hereby release Still Life Studio, its agents, representatives, successors, or assignees, Still Life Studio management and employees, from all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, demands, costs, and expenses which I am now or in the future have against them, arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in art classes, including enroute to or from the program or its related events. I understand that the waiver includes, but is not limited to, all injuries to me and or loss of injuries to any personal property. I also understand that this waiver includes, but is not limited to, any claims that are based on my alleged negligence or any other action or inaction of any of the above parties.
I also give Still Life Studio permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of myself and/or my work for the general promotion of Still Life Studio and its programs.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand the safety instructions and the liability waiver that have been outlined.