This was a truly international event.

From Florida, Sweden, Minnetsota, Switzerland, Chicago, Hong Kong, Paris, Germany, Norway, Ireland, Brisbane… participants spent the week in Derby, learning with artist Frode Bolhuis at the Museum of Making.

Frode taught technique, methods of working with polymer clay and the practicalities of figurative sculpture. But more than this, he inspired the group, encouraging and supporting them to work freely and to quieten the critical mind – and I hope the photos attached go some way in demonstrating the freedom of expression that was present throughout the week.

It was such a joy to see how the students’ work progressed. I loved walking though the Italian Mill chatting to the participants and seeing how their sculptures evolved… with characters emerging… and worlds being created.

The evening Q&A event on Wednesday was also a real success. We opened the Civic Hall to a larger audience – many from Derby and the local area – to come and learn about Frode’s background, practice and inspiration. And, perhaps, they discovered why so many had come so far to learn with Frode.

Many people contributed to this week-long event being such a success. Participants praised the venue, catering teams and Museum staff throughout, for their hospitality and delicious meals each day.

It was a pleasure to introduce the participants to the Workshop, where the Workshop team supported their making and helped them construct armatures and forge tools. I’d like to thank my team for their assistance, demonstrating their knowledge and experience and promoting the versatility of the Workshop to an international crowd. It is a space where one day we may be working with engineers, another with heritage craftspeople and the next with 30 sculptors from all corners of the world!

We received some wonderful feedback from the participant’s:

“I just wanted to write and express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this incredible experience.

Despite having worked in this medium for over half a decade, I’ve never had any formal training, so the chance to learn from such a master of the medium was utterly invaluable to my own craft and practice. Frode was such a kind, warm, and generous teacher.  He fostered a delightful atmosphere of joyous creativity and experimentation which was a rare and beautiful thing to experience.  Especially amongst such a large and diverse international group!

As for the practicalities of the week, we all felt so well looked after!  The space was a pleasure to work in, and the facilities were top notch.  I would like to say a huge thank you to you, and all of the workshop team, who worked so hard to make sure we had the best and most rounded experience possible.  You all went above and beyond for us, and we all really appreciated it.

I would also like to say a special thanks to the catering staff who fed us all so very well!”