The Talisman Wizard

Friday 9:00 - 4:30 and $215  
  Lisa Renner Saturday 12:00 - 3:00    


Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project

 

 

This is a 9 hour workshop beginning on Friday and continuing on Saturday.

Talisman: Definition Encarta Dictionary: “ 1. Magical object. An object believed to give magical powers to someone who carries or wears it, e.g. a stone or jewel. 2. Something believed to have magical properties.”

Join us for 1 ½ days of mixed media bliss as you create your own figurative sculpture I call “The Talisman Wizard”. This enigmatic figure by, design, is full of intrigue. The talisman (and an optional mask) you make for him to wear deepens the mystery. Modest materials will be used to form the armless body which stands on gnarly twigs giving your creation an “other-worldly” appearance.

Utilizing face-molds from the instructor’s personal collection you will use polymer clay for both the head and face, designing a unique expression for your figure. You will also learn a simple way to make ears. Polymer clay can be shaped as desired to create interesting headwear, or you may choose to leave your Wizard beautifully bald!

You will use materials on the outer surface of the body to create a natural patina, and/or rust, and since these are chemical reactions they deliver an exciting, unpredictable result every time. Feathers, ribbons, and small twigs will be available for you to use as you design a talisman to adorn your Wizard, but feel free to bring a small personal object from home to use instead if desired. At the end of class you will take home a completed Talisman Wizard, will stand approximately 12-16” in height, ready for display.

(I have recently been invited by the “International Contemporary Artists” organization to submit work for publication. My Talisman Wizards are among my chosen works to appear in Volume V of their series of books by the same name.)

Kit fee of $30 payable to Instructor at class time includes:

  • Polymer clay for head and face
  • head armature
  • dowels
  • twigs
  • wire
  • feathers
  • detailed handout
  • use of ovens
  • Dremel tool
  • all materials for surface treatment including rust and patina, dyes, acrylic paint
  • face molds
  • miscellaneous chain and metal components
  • twine
  • glue
  • paper towels

Students should bring:

  • Polymer clay for head-wear and or mask: Premo Gold, black and translucent or Pearl are suggested colors, but any color you desire is okay- one 2 oz. package each should be more than enough. You can share with a friend if you’d like. If you prefer to leave your figure beautifully bald, or do not care to make a mask then you do not need to bring any polymer clay to class.(Teacher will supply the polymer clay for the head and face.)
  • Heavy-duty foil (a small roll will be more than enough)
  • Plaster wrap such as Rigid Wrap: 1 roll (4” x 180”). (Available at craft stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and some JoAnn’s) You will not use the entire roll.
  • Masking tape (any width is ok but I usually use about ¾” width tape. A small roll will be fine.)
  • Three Inexpensive wooden-handled paint brushes (These are the natural bristled brushes that can be found at craft stores.)
  • Scissors
    • Optional items:
  • Favorite clay tools for adjusting facial features (teacher will have some tools to share)
  • Small object to use for the talisman neckwear - Examples would be a charm, key, crystal, ring, stone, or anything that is meaningful or of interest to you.

 

Questions? Email Lisa at
Website: www.lisarenner.com