Male Torso – stoneware with faux bronze finish – H 14.5″ W 13″ D 6″

Sculptor Jim Fatata provides many options for a client wishing to commission a clay sculpture of themselves, another person of special interest to them, or of a specific subject matter of special interest to them. A torso sculpture, described below, is one of the more common types of sculptures commissioned, but other types of sculptures can be created.

Torso Sculpture: A clay torso sculpture is a representation of the trunk of the body. In addition, it includes a small part of the neck but not the head, a portion of the arms above the elbow, and the legs above the knees. A torso sculpture can be either a standing, seated, or reclining pose. If a standing pose is selected, most clients ask for a completed sculpture that is approximately 12 to15 inches in height — ideal for displaying on a coffee or end table, bookshelf, or pedestal.

Process: It normally takes two 3-hour sessions, scheduled on different days, to complete a torso sculpture. Occasionally, depending on the complexity of the pose, an additional session may be required. During each 3-hour session the client will pose nude, or semi nude if they prefer, for 20 minute time intervals separated by 5-minute breaks. Upon completion, the sculpture must be slowly dried over a 4-8 week period. Prior to firing in a kiln the sculpture can be glazed or left unglazed depending on the preference of the client. Once fired, an unglazed sculpture will have a clear finish applied to seal the surface. Fired glazed sculptures need no additional treatment to their surface. Felt will be placed on the base of the sculpture. If a client is not available to pose in person, and depending on the complicity of the commission, a torso sculpture may possibly be completed using just photos.

Schedule: Sculpting sessions are normally conducted during afternoons or evenings. However, sessions can be scheduled at other times to fit a client’s schedule.

Location: Sculpting sessions will be held in the artist’s studio at 602-G East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511.

Cost: The cost of a commissioned clay torso sculpture or other type of sculpture will depend on the size of the sculpture and other specific issues related to what a client wants. Every effort is made to create a sculpture that fulfills the vision and expectation of the client. Therefore input and communication as the sculpture moves toward completion is necessary. Once details of what is wanted is provided, then a price for the sculpture can be given. A deposit of 10% of the price of the sculpture may be required if a client wishes to proceed with the commission. The final payment for a sculpture is due at the completion of the sculpture. If the completed sculpture does not meet the client’s expectations, or for any other reasons the client does not wish to proceed with the purchase, the client may decline the purchase without any additional financial obligation. If the purchase is declined the deposit and completed sculpture will become the property of the sculptor. Clients will not receive any payment for the time spent posing for the sculpture.

Sculptor: James (Jim) Fatata is an accomplished artist who specializes in figurative sculptures. His works have been juried into numerous art shows and exhibitions. You can see examples of his work by visiting Litmus Art Gallery and his studio at 602-G East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511 or by viewing his work on this website (www.litmusgallery.com).

Figurative and portrait sculpture classes are scheduled to offer adults, beginners and experienced artists, a unique opportunity to explore their artistic abilities and expand their art experiences through sculpting with clay. Class sessions are taught by Jim Fatata (View previously completed sculptures by Jim Fatata on this website) and are devoted to the artistic interpretation and exploration of the human form.

All Levels of Sculpting Experience Are Welcome

A wide range of individual abilities and interests are accommodated. Participants who have not had previous clay sculpture training can receive individual instruction and assistance during their initial participation. Instruction will emphasize basic sculpting techniques and provide assistance and guidance in accurately seeing, and realistically interpreting human anatomy. The instruction and assistance will help participants create sculptures that are correct in form and proportion. Individual instruction will enable each participant, beginners and advanced students, to work at their own pace. Classes will focus on anatomy and will allow participants the opportunity to incorporate expression and gesture into their sculpture. Students may choose to create a full-body sculpture, a torso, a relief, or a portrait. Some classes may focus on one format, but students are free to choose their format.

Figurative Sculpting Process

Participants will learn the procedure for making a basic armature (when needed) and the proper technique for constructing a sculpture that can be fired in a kiln. To advance skills in rendering human anatomy, a nude model in either a standing, seated, or reclining pose will be used for figurative class sessions. For portrait sculpture classes models may pose exposed down to their waist. To give participants a comprehensive experience in sculpting the human form, an attempt will be made to alternate between different types of models, body types, age groups, racial groups and gender.

Sculpting Sessions

Sessions are limited to no more than eight (8) participants at a time. Three hour sessions are generally scheduled weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights) from 6:30 to 9:30 PM and occasionally held on weekends, usually Saturday, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Frequently there are two sessions scheduled during a week. Normally the same pose is used for all class sessions which might be schedule to be from 1 to 6 class sessions. Sculpture classes are held at Litmus Gallery & Studio at 602-G East Chatham Street, Cary, NC. Those wishing to attend must reserve a space in advance. Notification will be sent to those requesting a space as to whether there is a space for them or if they are on the “wait list.” Refunds will not be given for missed sessions.

Cost

The fees for classes vary based on the number of class sessions needed to adequately sculpt a particular pose. The class fee covers the cost of a model, rental of studio space, use of sculpture stands and equipment, firing of completed sculpture, and as applicable individual instruction/assistance. Water based clay will be available for purchase for all class sessions. If a multi-session sculpture class does not fill up with participants wishing to attend all sessions offered, then it may be possible for a participant to pay a reduced fee to attend one or more sessions as their schedule permits. However, for those who wish to learn about sculpture and experience a start-to-finish process for completing a sculpture, it is recommend that all sessions be attended.

Contact

To request being added to an email list to receive information on sculpture sessions when they are set up, or for additional information or questions about participating in sculpture sessions, to sign up for sculpture sessions, to set up a time to visit Litmus Gallery & Studio, or for inquiries about modeling, please email Jim Fatata: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Upcoming Classes

Those on the email list will be notified when, and if, sculpture classes are scheduled.

Immortality through Sculpture: Be Sculpted ~ Be Immortalized

Model Requirements:

Art models are needed on a regular basis for sculptors sculpting solo and for sculpture class sessions with an emphasis on figurative traditions and creating sculptures that are in the style of classical realism. For portrait sculpture sessions, clothed and models exposed to the waist, may be used. Nude, semi-nude, implied nude and clothed models may be used for figurative sessions to advance skills in rendering human anatomy. Sculpture sessions are devoted to the artistic interpretation and exploration of the human form through the medium of clay sculpture. Sculpture class sessions are usually scheduled on weeknights, 6:30-9:30 PM or on Saturdays, 1-4 PM. Models are also occasionally needed for individual sculptors who want to sculpt solo outside of the group setting. In acquiring models, an attempt is made to alternate between male and female models, various ethnic and racial groups, different body types, and different age groups. Previous modeling experience, while helpful, is not a requirement. Sculpture class members and individual sculptors usually decide on a general or compositional theme that will guide what is sculpted. An attempt is then made to acquire a model that best fits that compositional theme. It is obvious that the model needed to do a sculpture of a marathon runner would be quite different from the model needed to do a sculpture of a Sumo wrestler.

The most important qualities for figurative models are dependability, ability to hold a pose, and being comfortable posing clothed (portrait or clothed sessions) or nude (figurative sessions). Models need to report to sculpting sessions on time and be dependable in completing all the sessions agreed upon. The same pose is normally used for all sessions and the number of sessions normally needed for completing a sculpture may vary from 1 to 6 sessions, depending on the scope of the artwork.

Figurative sculpture sessions are normally scheduled to be 3 hours in duration. During a 3-hour session the model will pose for 20 to 25-minute time intervals separated by 5-minute breaks and a longer 15-minute break midway through the 3-hour session. Models should be reasonably sure that they can remain in the agreed upon pose before the sculpting begins. Temporarily getting out of a pose to stretch or other necessity is acceptable.

For prospective models without previous experience as a sculpture model, an initial 3-hour modeling session is scheduled so that the model can determine if they are comfortable doing this specific type of modeling. This also allows an opportunity to determine what type of pose or compositional theme would work best for a particular model. If interested in this type of modeling, email your name, height, weight, age, and a recent photo to Jim Fatata at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sculpture sessions are held at Litmus Gallery & Studio, 602-G East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511

Inquiries concerning pay and additional questions: contact Jim Fatata at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. View previously completed sculptures by Jim Fatata on this website.

 SCULPTING A PORTRAIT IN CLAY:

In this four (4) session workshop participants will receive basic instruction on using photos and working with a live model to complete a realistic 3-D clay portrait sculpture (head, neck, and possibly top part of the chest).  Clay has been used throughout the centuries to create beautiful and enduring works of art.  Clay is a strong, tough, durable, and timelessly beautiful material for creating art.  From the very earliest civilizations to the present time, portrait sculptures made in clay have been one of the most consistent and reliable art forms to survive the test of time.  The skills learned in this workshop can be used to produce treasured portrait sculptures of loved ones, friends, or creative whimsy.  From building an armature to applying finishing touches, sculpting techniques will be emphasized in a step-by-step process to complete an anatomically correct and lifelike representation of the human head.  A male model will pose for 2 sessions and there will be 2 sessions working from photos of the model for a total of 4 sessions.  Instructor is James Fatata.  Beginners and advanced sculptors will receive instruction appropriate to their level of experience and ability. 

The fee is $180 for the 4-session workshop.  Payment is due at the first session and can be by cash or check/money order made out to James Fatata (sorry credit cards not accepted).  The fee covers the use of sculpting stand, portrait armature, model fee, studio facility, and bisque firing of the finished portrait.  The fee also covers each participant receiving one 25 pounds bag of water based clay which is sufficient for completing the portrait.  Additional clay is available for purchase for $25 per twenty-five pounds bag for participants who wish to create a portrait larger than life-size or to add additional embellishment to the portrait.  The workshop is limited to eight participants and will be held at Litmus Gallery & Studio at 602-G East Chatham Street, Cary, NC. Those wishing to attend must reserve a space in advance.  Notification will be sent to those requesting a space as to whether there is a space for them or if they are on the “wait list”.  Refunds will not be given for missed sessions.  Additional questions or to register for the workshop email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..    

Workshop Schedule:

Sunday, February 19, 2023:  2pm-5:00pm (working with photos)

Tuesday, February 21, 2023:  6pm-9pm (working with live model)

Sunday. February 26, 2023:  2pm-5pm (working with live model)

Tuesday, February 28, 2023:  6pm-9pm (working with photos)

Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request to be put on a mailing list if you wish to receive information when future classes are scheduled.