Master sculpture Elmer Gunderson is facing the public.
The local artist known for carving the small, expressive faces into the cottonwood bark along the Nechako River trail system is sharing his skills in a rare workshop.
"This is a very small class, very limited entry," said workshop coordinator Elizabeth Tobin of the Prince George Potters' Guild. The PGPG members got to sign up first, but there are a few spots left for the general public.
Gunderson is a professional artist with a reputation in many sculptural materials. He has master carvings in galleries and collections made from soapstone, wood, marble, fiberglass, and of course clay, the wheelhouse medium of the potters' guild.
"When it's cold like this, that's when I'm indoors doing my clay work," said Gunderson. "This is a course in hand-building, the ancient form of sculpting clay. We're just trying to teach an old thing to new people. This is going to be about the human face, so you can bring photos of someone you want to do a portrait of, you can do the person sitting opposite, you can make something up out of your imagination, but the instruction is in how to sculpt the human face in clay."
The cost of the workshop is $250, which includes the clay. Some other materials and tools are required, and those things will be itemized for those who registration. Gunderson said one simple specialty tool is needed, and he has extras to sell those who don't already have access to their own.
The class is special for another reason. Tobin said the guild was thrilled Gunderson agreed to do the workshop, because he doesn't typically teach in this way.
"This is the first time I've ever taught a class to a group. I've done individual teaching and one-on-one sessions, but this is a different style," Gunderson said. "It makes you focus on your own process when you have to explain yourself to people, and get your point across. And I apologize in advance for my sense of humour. I like to make jokes and keep the mood light, but I know I'm not always that funny."
The course will run Jan. 20-22 at the PGPG workshop at Studio 2880.
The Friday night session runs from 6-9 p.m. and the Saturday/Sunday sessions run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a Saturday potluck lunch as well.
Those wanting to take the course can sign up at the Studio 2880 gift shoppe at 2880 15th Avenue).
