Today, education in figurative sculpture is typically confined to two extremes: short-term workshops or long-term academic programs. Brief workshops rarely provide enough time to develop a deep and lasting understanding of the discipline, while committing to three or more years of study is unrealistic for many people.
Although many experienced educators maintain that even six months is insufficient to properly train a student, this program is built on a different premise: with a focused and disciplined group, six months can be enough to achieve true independence.
Each year, only twelve students are selected—chosen not for prior achievement, but for their dedication. This deliberately small group creates an environment of intensity, accountability, and sustained growth, where every student is fully engaged in the process.
Training unfolds across two specialized studios: one devoted to figure studies, the other to portrait studies. Instruction is led by Robert Bodem, alongside Valentina Zlatarova, who has recently joined the faculty. Sharing the teaching week, they bring complementary perspectives while maintaining a unified vision—guiding students through an intensive and cohesive learning experience.
Valentina Zlatarova
The curriculum is carefully structured to support a gradual accumulation of skills and understanding. Early projects are short, typically three hours in length, and progressively expand in duration and complexity. By the end of the program, students will have developed a strong, comprehensive understanding of the entire sculptural process, from initial conception to completed work.
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