About the course

My animal sculpture courses are held in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park at Far From Holiday Retreat. Situated within walking distance of the Beacons themselves and boasting a reservoir view, it is an inspiring location. You’ll be surrounded by our sanctuary animals daily – so feel free to start your morning with a donkey cuddle.

The best part about living on a farm is that you get to actually meet the animal you choose to sculpt. You’ll be invited to get them up in the morning with us, prepare them for the day. Get to know them and understand them outside the sculpting room, to then recreate your new friend inside the sculpting room.

The course doesn’t just enable you to see how I sculpt and manage the clay – it gives you an insight into sanctuary life and the reason behind Far From. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the husbandry behind various animals, the physiological journey each animal goes through on its arrival and how we help each animal overcome their past traumas.

My sculpting method is unique and once grasped, is one of the easiest processes you’ll find. It offers the sculptor a freedom that is not found in other building processes, lending itself to movement and motions and the effortless capture of texture. This special method can serve a complete beginner as well as an experienced sculptor. The course consists of demonstration and mainly one-to-one teaching.

Beginners welcome

After demonstrating my method to the group, I make my way around the room offering one-to-one teaching, meaning all abilities are welcome. I always say that we see and feel in the 3-dimensional, so it’s far easier to recreate something this way than try and transform it into a 2-dimensional object. Clay is also an incredibly forgiving material and there’s little students can do that cannot be rectified – especially with my method of making.

Course information

Courses are £280 per person + the price of your chosen accommodation.

Tea, coffee, biscuits, and cake are included in the course fee. It’s important to remember that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included in the course fee, so please self-cater using the well-equipped kitchen in your chosen accommodation.

Accommodation options and prices are below. Please be aware there is a minimum booking of 3 people.

All your materials for two sculptures and their firings are Included in the price of the course. Please be aware that if you leave your sculptures with me to be fired, you are responsible for collection. I am not responsible for arranging a postal service. Nor can I be held responsible for loss or damage.

Please bring your own aprons, tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own too.

If you are taking your sculpture home to be fired please bring your own board to work off 40cm by 30cm minimum.

If you have a particular animal you want to sculpt please bring photos with you. If you would preferred to be inspired by the animals of Far From bring your phone with you to the course and have an I pad with you to use whilst working.

Please be aware if you are on your first course with me you will be making an animal laying down. Those of you who are returners are welcome to make any stance you like.

Please bring wellies or walking boots, water proofs and warm clothing for the animal session.