KELLY RATHBONE REBO
PORTRAIT FORM: Sculpting & Press Mold Making
September 6 - 13, 2026
In this intensive 7-day workshop, participants will develop both sculptural and technical skills by creating a portrait head alongside a reusable two-part press mold.
We begin with foundational head construction, focusing on proportion, underlying bone and muscle structure, and achieving symmetry. Through guided demonstrations and individual feedback, each participant will sculpt a resolved base head form suitable for mold-making.
Once the form is refined, we will move into mold production. Students will learn how to design and execute a two-part plaster press mold, including parting lines, registration keys, and proper release techniques.
After the mold has cured, the original clay head will be removed, and participants will shift focus to completing their final sculpted bust. This phase emphasizes anatomical nuance, expressive detail, and surface development—refining facial features, and exploring elements such as hair and other sculptural adornments.
Targeted demonstrations will include hands, eyes, teeth, and hair construction, along with discussions on surface treatment and glaze finishing options.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with:
A functional two-part press mold for reproducing head forms
A completed bisque-fired bust sculpture
A stronger understanding of portrait anatomy and mold-making processes
*** Prior hand building and sculpture is recommended. ***
TUITION: USD $1800 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 - KELLY RATHBONE REBO
Sunday, September 6: Welcome Dinner MOKSA Restaurant
Welcome Dinner and slide talk by Kelly Rathbone Rebo
Monday, September 7: Foundations of the Portrait Head - GCAC
Focus: Structure, proportion, and foundational form
Welcome + workshop overview. Introduction to portrait anatomy: skull structure, facial proportion, and planes of the head. Building the base head form. Establishing symmetry and volume. Demonstration: measuring techniques, centerline and proportional mapping. Individual work session + critique.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Tuesday, September 8: Mold-Making Day - GCAC
Focus: Two-part plaster press mold construction
Final preparation of sculptural head forms for molding. Introduction to plaster mold-making principles. Determining parting lines and mold strategy. Demonstration: registration keys, release agents, and proper plaster mixing and pouring. Creating first half of mold. Flipping and pouring second half. Mold curing and clean-up procedures.
Discussion: Using press molds for repetition, variation, and sculptural production.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Wednesday, September 9: Portrait Sculpting & Bust Development - GCAC
Focus: Refining anatomy and developing the sculptural portrait
Opening molds and removing original clay forms. Evaluating mold success and troubleshooting. Continuing portrait sculpting and refinement. Deepening anatomical understanding: facial structure, transitions and planes, expression and gesture. Demonstrations: Refined eyes, Refoned nose, and Refined mouth construction. Beginning neck, shoulders, and bust structure.
Studio Work: Developing likeness, proportion, and sculptural presence.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Thursday, September 10: Advanced Portrait Development - GCAC
Focus: Surface, expression, and sculptural detail
Continued development of bust sculpture. Refining anatomy and surface transitions. Demonstrations: hair construction, ears, and expressive surface treatment. Expanding and resolving bust composition. Individual feedback and critique sessions.
Studio Work: Refining sculptural details, gesture, and composition.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Friday, September 11: Finishing Touches & Technical Demonstrations - GCAC
Focus: Final refinement and ceramic finishing techniques
Final refinement of bust sculpture. Demonstrations: hands and gesture elements, teeth and interior mouth detail, and texture and tool techniques. Surface finishing and compression. Discussion: slips, oxides, glaze possibilities, and firing considerations. Preparing work for bisque firing.
End of Day Goal: Completed sculptural bust ready for kiln.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Saturday, September 12: Out-of-Studio Excursion - Anywhere in Bali..
Focus: Material culture, observation, and inspiration
Cultural group excursion TBD. Observational photographic reference gathering. Informal group lunch and artist conversations. Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine.
Sunday, September 13: Kiln Unload & Final Discussion - GCAC
Focus: Reflection, critique, and next steps
Kiln unload and final viewing of bisque-fired works. Group critique and discussion. Conversation on: continuing portrait practice, editioning from molds, and glazing and finishing paths. Documentation and final photographs.
Details of schedule may be subject to change, but overall content will remain constant.