Clay Human Face 4 Week Workshop with Allen Finkel

Sculpting Emotion

Discover the expressive power of the human face in this unique sculpting workshop led by artist and psychotherapist Allen Finkel. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore how emotion, memory, and personality can all be captured in clay, and how facial features tell stories far beyond words.

We’ll begin with a short discussion about expression and the emotional language of the face, followed by an introduction to the basic planes and structure that form its foundation. From there, you'll move step-by-step through the creative process:

• Building a simple armature with newspaper and tape
• Applying clay to sketch the initial facial form
• Refining features with attention to emotion and expression
• Learning essential finishing steps: removing the armature, checking thickness, and adding hanging loops for display

Throughout the workshop, Allen will share visual references — from anatomical studies to inspiring sculpted faces, to help you find your artistic voice and sculpt with intention.

This is not just about technique. It’s about learning to observe deeply, work intuitively, and connect with the story you want your piece to tell.

No prior sculpting experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to look inward while creating outward.

Allen Finkel fell in love with clay when he sculpted his first head at just eight years old. He went on to study painting and sculpture, earning his BFA, before pursuing a lifelong career as a psychotherapist. Today, Allen blends both paths, exploring how our lived experiences shape us emotionally and physically, and how that shows up in our faces. His figurative work reflects the beauty, vulnerability, and resilience of the human spirit.

For Allen, working with clay is a way to process emotion, connect with others, and tell deeply human stories. His workshops offer a space to do the same.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher mingo makes it