ALESSANDRO GALLO
CLAY TALES: Realism & Metaphor in Figurative Sculpture
June 28 - July 11, 2026
This immersive hands-on experience in sculpting realistic or stylized figures in clay will tap into both
traditional and nontraditional techniques. The focus will be on two parts equally important to Alessandro’s intricate work. Firstly, hand building the figure solid, the use of metal armature, cutting, hollowing and reassembling and final surfacing all in preparation for a single firing. No less critical, will be the introduction to post-firing finishing, including utilizing a variety of epoxy glues, using accessories and painting the piece realistically after it is fired.
In order to experiment directly on all those levels, every participant will be encouraged to work on two projects: a faster warm-up piece and then a medium-size more challenging and focused project: a 25-inch standing figure. The first figure will introduce technique and, quickly executed, will allow for firing within the first week, thus enabling experimentation on all post-firing techniques in the final three days. Sculpting the medium size figure will be the main focus, although personal projects are welcomed and encouraged.
TUITION: USD $2500 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, catered lunches, welcome dinner, and excursions around the island. We will assist in making recommendations for bookings for nearby hotels, bungalows or home-stays in convenient proximity to Gaya studio (accommodation is not included in tuition).
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE - Alessandro Gallo 2026
Sunday, June 28:
6:00pm Welcome dinner at Moksa Restaurant. Getting to know each other over a delicious plant-based meal which is a work of art in itself, followed by a presentation by Alessandro Gallo about his work and career.
Monday, June 29:
Introduction, work plan, and setting workshop goals for sculpting and painting. Short artist talks on process and overview of main steps.
Discussion on concept development, sketching, and reference preparation (Digital photography and photo-editing software. Block poster and printed materials. Small 3D models. Useful books for reference on anatomy, biology, sculpture )
12:30 Lunch family style
Begin Mask Project with basic armature and roughing in clay.Tuesday, June 30:
A morning artist talk featuring a slide show of recent work to provide inspiration and a deeper understanding of the process.
12:30 Lunch family style
Sculpting from observation, focusing on the mask. Participants will explore fundamental shapes, defining the main volumes, and progressively adding definition to all features.Wednesday, July 1:
Refining and working on the details of the pieces will be the focus, followed by hollowing. We will discuss how to choose the right time to hollow, depending on the working method and the size of the sculpture.
12:30 Lunch family style
Preparing for firing includes drying the work and force drying in the kiln. We'll also explore firing options and techniques, as well as the use of shrink slabs and supports to prevent deformation. The importance of bisquing at 2100°F will be explained, and participants will receive firing schedules in handouts. The day will conclude with cleaning the studio and tools in preparation for the next project.Thursday, July 2:
The focus will shift to the figure and gesture with the start of the medium-sized individual project. Participants are encouraged to come with a specific idea in mind and bring reference materials to develop it further. Preparation for the project will involve organizing reference material and setting up the work area, including boards, canvas, and plastic sheets.
12:30 Lunch family style
Armature building will be the next step, using pipe kits, flanges, electrical tape, dowels, wire clippers, wrenches, pliers, screws, and a driver. Clay tools, including water buckets and spray bottles, will be used, with different clay types available based on the participant's preferences. All necessary materials will be provided as participants begin roughing in their clay sculptures.Friday, July 3:
Sculpting, defining main volumes and planes. Adjusting armatures and refining the structure.
All masks must be ready for firing before lunch.
12:30 Lunch family style
Demos on anatomy, fabric folds, and using references.
Continue adding sharpness and details to the figure.
Firing daySaturday, July 4:
Continue sculpting the figure, focusing on adding details and refining shapes.
12:30 Lunch family style
Prepare for hollowing and discuss the right time for it.Sunday, July 5:
(Free Day)Monday, July 6:
Decide on cuts for hollowing, prepare slip, and score clay for joining.
12:30 Lunch family style
Reassemble the figure carefully after hollowing.Tuesday, July 7:
Work on the reassembled piece, focusing on refining its structure and enhancing all its details. Participants will then move on to finishing their projects, ensuring that all surface details and structural adjustments are finalized. Before the kiln firing process, sections will be prepared and organized. It is important to note that all objects intended for firing must be placed on the kiln table by noon.
12:30 Lunch family style
Demonstrations on using Epoxy PC-11 and power tools, including Dremel heads, to grind and shape the pieces. This is followed by a demonstration of Fix-it Sculpt and self-hardening resins for seams. Participants will learn how to handle these materials effectively, with the required supplies including gloves, a paper-covered table, popsicle sticks, small lids or plastic plates, cut-up paper towels, and masking tape.
The next step involves firing sections separately in the kiln, with preparations made for gluing the fired pieces back together after firing.Wednesday, July 8:
The session will start with prepping clay for painting, including sanding the surface with sandpaper, applying primers, and adding the first paint layers. Basic principles of color theory will be introduced to provide an understanding of how colors interact.
Sculptures must be ready for firing before lunch.
12:30 Lunch family style
Painting techniques will be demonstrated, followed by a mixing paint exercise. The focus will include creating skin tones and variations, as well as layering thin coats. The session will also cover the painting materials needed for the process.
Firing dayThursday, July 9:
Excursion day. While the bisque kiln is firing, we will get out and about in BaliFriday, July 10:
The day will be dedicated to using painting techniques to complete the mask project. Participants will work with brushes and toothbrushes to apply details and finishing touches. Protective varnishes and fixatives will be used to seal the work.
Finishing touches will be added to enhance the piece, followed by cleaning up the workspace.
12:30 Lunch family style
Discussions will cover presenting the work in an exhibition space, including options for metal bases, welded pegs, and complementary materials.
The session will conclude with an introduction to restoration techniques and packingSaturday, July 11:
Departure day. Studio Closed.
Details of schedule may be subject to change, but overall content will remain constant.