Last November of 2018, I had the unique opportunity to join the faculty at the FACE Conference in Miami, Florida put on by Eric Rhoads and Peter Trippi of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine. I was joined by more than 200 other artists, collectors, and fine art connoisseurs from around the world. Out of the more than fifteen faculty members I was the only artist whose main medium is sculpture (Clay, Bronze, Glass). As most attendees were familiar with painting, I saw it as a unique opportunity to represent sculptors in the community of “Figurative Artists” as we all share our unique interest in humanity as our subject matter.
In my demonstration titled, “Welcome to the third dimension,” I began with a portfolio slide show so the attendees could have a better understanding of what my finished sculptures looked like. Later I pulled out my tools, a rickety sculpture stand propped up with books (you work with what you can find!), water clay, and set the pose with the female model on stage with me. I introduced the process of starting with an armature (foundation/structure from which most sculptures begin) the was built to 1/3 the scale. In the two-and-a-half hour time frame I worked as quickly as possible to show my process of blocking in the figure in water clay while also explaining my tools, methodology, and use of materials. I was well received and took great joy in sharing my love for sculpture.
Mardie Rees doing a sculpting demo of the full figure on the main stage at FACE 2018
I also participated in a panel discussion on what is going on in the world of sculpture today led by moderator and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Editor, Peter Trippi. National Sculpture Society and Board Member, Donella Lay, Florida Sculptor Nilda Comas, and myself participated in the panel discussion.
