Melissa Meier- How To Make Small Surreal Sculptures

Hi, I’m Melissa Meier. Welcome to my studio.

In this video workshop, I’ll take you step by step through my process of creating surreal and expressive clay sculptures — from the first spark of an idea to the final details.
You’ll see how each piece comes together as I share my techniques, creative approach, and the inspirations behind my work.

Ultimately, I hope this workshop sparks a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth, inspiring you to create meaningful, thought-provoking pieces that reflect your inner world.

With these techniques, you’ll be able to create pieces like these yourself

Workshop Steps

1.Discovering My Vision: Step into my creative world and explore the inspirations and artistic philosophy behind my work.
2.Sparking Ideas: Learn how I generate concepts and transform an initial spark into a sculptural form.
3.Building the Foundation: Follow my process for constructing strong frameworks that support each piece from the inside out.
4.Adding Intricate Details: Watch as I enhance my sculptures with texture, pattern, and carefully crafted detail.
5.Finishing Touches: See how I refine the surface and shape, bringing each sculpture to its final polished expression.
6.The Art of Hollowing: Master this essential technique to ensure your pieces remain structurally sound and kiln-safe during firing.

Workshop Results & Benefits

By the end of this workshop, I hope you’ll feel empowered to:

• Explore diverse narratives and emotions through clay, unlocking new storytelling possibilities.
• Experiment with innovative techniques, pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
• Tap into your inner world, embracing personal themes and symbolism that make your art truly unique.
• Take bold creative risks, discovering new aspects of yourself and your artistic voice.

Materials List:

Attendees should have some clay and clay tools.

About Melissa Meier

Melissa Meier is a multidisciplinary artist known for her surreal, thought-provoking ceramics and mixed-media assemblages that explore complex social and spiritual themes. Her work often blurs the lines between nature and human expression, inviting viewers to reflect on the intricacies of the human experience. Meier’s artistic journey is marked by experimentation and innovation. She seamlessly blends ceramics, photography, and mixed media to create narrative assemblages that challenge perceptions and spark meaningful conversations.
Notable series like “Laced” and “Skins” showcase her unique approach to portraiture, incorporating natural elements and mixed media to explore themes of identity, femininity, and the human condition.

Meier spent most of her childhood in Brazil. She received a B.A. from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
She has exhibited her work in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and was chosen by Sotheby’s for their Young
International Artists group show and auction in Tel Aviv, Vienna and Chicago. In Los Angeles, she has shown at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts, Bleicher Golightly Gallery, Caporale/Bleicher Gallery, James Gray Gallery and BG Gallery at Bergamot Station. In March, 2023, Meier had a solo show entitled “Becoming Nature” at The Oceanside Museum of Art in Oceanside, California, and in July, 2024, she had another solo show entitled “Nature’s Masquerade” at Lois Lambert Gallery in Santa Monica. In September, 2024, she was a featured artist in Ron Finley’s “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Injustice” at the Hammer Museum. Most recently, Melissa participated in “Daphne’s Wardrobe”, a group show at Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso

Website: www.melissameierart.com

Instagram: @melissameierart