Javier Murcia is back at The Auckland Atelier in July for a workshop on building an Ecorche.

The Ecorche with Javier Murcia

July, 6 - 8 2018 (3 days)

9am - 6pm

Medium: Clay

Level: Intermediate

Price: NZD $340.00

Ecorche, (French: "flayed," or "skinned") anatomical figure depicting an animal or human with the skin removed to show the location and interplay of the muscles.

Students will learn the anatomy and structure of the human head by constructing an ecorche. Each student will build a human head/skull from clay on an armature (clay and armature are included in the course fee) then add, region by region, the muscles, tendons and other structures of the head. This three dimensional approach is the most successful method for understanding the complex relationships among forms, whether you study painting, drawing or sculpture.

Student are encouraged to bring their own sculpting tools although some tools will be on hand.

Please make your booking on our Atelier Website.

About the Instructor

Murcia was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain 1981. In 1998, drawn by his interest in the world of cinema and special effects, he moved to Barcelona for a year. Between 2003 and 2006 Javier studied fine arts at the University of La Laguna, training in different mediums such as drawing, paint, and foundry. He also had the chance to improve his knowledge of the beautiful field of anatomy, taking two courses in dissection at the School of Medicine. He showed great interest in the particular application of these techniques to artistic mediums, especially in drawing and sculpture. Influenced by figurative and modern art, he started his professional and artistic career with exhibitions and commissions, creating pieces for both the private and public sector of his birth city. Among these, we can highlight "Homenaje al Chicharrero (2012)", a sculpture commissioned by the local market of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Between 2010 and 2011 he traveled to Copenhagen where he lived for a year and a half. There he collaborated in a large sculpture project by Christian Lemmerz, by whom he feels strongly influenced. The magnitude of this piece, commissioned by the Kirke family (owners of the Lego company) shows his skill in the art of sculpture.

At the beginning of 2013, he moved to Wellington where he is based now-days, collaborating with Weta workshop ( Special effects company responsible for the effect of Lord of the rings, Narnia, King Kong and many other titles) as resident artist. The exhibition "Visceral Beauty" 2013, debuts to the public a collection of sculptures of a very personal tone generously sponsored by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, owners of the company.

For more information on Javier, please visit his website.