Ceramic Sculpture: The Human Form (Jan 26-Mar 9, 5:30-8:30pm) – Winter 2026

Class Description:

In this handbuilding-based sculpture class, students will use the human form as inspiration to create expressive clay sculptures. We will explore foundational techniques such as constructing form in stages, and refining surface detail. Discussions and demonstrations will support learning about proportion, anatomy basics, gesture, pose, and how to convey energy and personality through both realistic and abstract representation.

In addition to construction methods, the class includes time to explore surface finishing techniques. Students will learn traditional ceramic surface approaches and alternative cold finishing options such as acrylics, stains, patina washes, graphite, wax, and more — allowing finished work to extend beyond the limitations of glaze and firing.

What you’ll learn:

• Approaches to sculpting the human figure (realistic, abstract, and expressive)
  
• Gesture and proportion fundamentals
  
• Refining features and surface detail
  
• Ceramic finishing options (underglaze, slips, oxides)
  
• Cold finishes and mixed-media surface approaches

This class is suitable for beginners with some clay experience, as well as intermediate sculptors looking to expand their range of expression.

Includes:

• All materials and firings
• Weekly demos and hands-on instruction
• Studio access during class

Date(s): Monday, Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 23,  Mar 2, and 9

Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM

Location
ICA North/Encinitas Campus
1578 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 92024

Instructor
Suzanne Lussier

Instructor Bio
Suzanne Lussier was born and raised in California. She began teaching as a Teach for America corps member in 2002, developing an art program at a charter school in Washington DC while earning a Master of Arts in Teaching. With a great interest in global perspectives Suzanne moved to Chile for two years where she taught and was immersed in the diverse cultures of South America. In 2006 Suzanne returned to the United States and spent five years studying ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and Craft and the University of Montana, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts. Suzanne served on the Board of Directors for the National Council on Education in Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and has shown her work both nationally and abroad. Suzanne’s work has been featured in publications such as Ceramics Art and Perception. She has been an artist in residence at Red Lodge Clay Center; the Medalta Studio in Alberta, Canada; Mendocino Art Center, and was a visiting artist through a Chilean government grant in Cohaique, Chile.

Price
Non-member $365
General membership and above $328.50 (Please use discount code: ICAMEMBERSAVE at checkout)

Class is subject to cancellation in the event of low enrollment.

Cancelation/Refund Policy: Cancel up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund. Cancelations less than 7 days before the start of class are ineligible for refund.

All students receive one month of FREE LAB ACCESS to the ICA Ceramics Lab. 

Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.