Children sculpture journey

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One of the things which make Leyla’s Art Academy special is that we never repeat a project. However small it has been, each project is unique; every new project is a new adventure. As true artists, we know where we start, but we never know where we will be ending.

Step 1 - Choosing our character

The Fall 2015 Children Sculpture Project started with choosing a Greek mythological character. We learned together about each Greek God (one introduction session), through a cool and kids friendly presentation. We were all excited to learn about Aphrodite, Athena, Zeus, Apollo, Artemis and so on. We even had to write down what we liked more about each of these characters (which helps with comprehension, writing and summarizing skills for us, the younger ones).

Step 2 – Making Sculpture

Once we chose our character, we examined their facial expression and, clay in hands, hands in clay, lots of mess and fun, we proceeded to “making sculpture”. This has been another amazing and exciting adventure, as our little hands did everything right, as per Leyla’s advice and almost everything went wrong. That was the fun part!!! Our first attempts ended up with fantastic characters with huge noses, cured lips and floppy ears. Then Leyla came to each one of us and, patiently, coaching our little hands, performed those magical, right touches which put our work back on the good road.

Step 3 – Drying

While our sculptures were drying in preparation for the kiln, we noticed something really funny: for some reason, our characters seemed to resemble our parents!!! Smirky smiles, moustaches, forehead lines – these were all there, as we unconsciously created them, with a mythological character in mind and a loved figure in heart.

Step 4 – the Kiln and after

Our sculptures went to the kiln. Leyla had in mind painting them after they were back, but – wow – this time the clay seemed to present some special properties and once burned, acquired an unexpected colour, so we decided they are wonderful just the way they turned out. No more colors.

However, and here we start an unpredicted path, as there will be no color, there must be an additional element which brings the WOW factor to our very special art work.

What? Won’t tell right now, just follow us and you’ll find out!!

Step 5 – Keep an eye on us!