Sculpture Workshops Oxford reviews

M. S. reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I first came to Beatrice with my husband and daughter (all total beginners) for two private sessions. We all got completely absorbed and produced pieces that we were proud of. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed handling the clay and how calming it was. The studio and garden environment is very inspiring and I found Beatrice’s teaching style really effective, with gentle guidance and support that puts you in control of the process but with lots of support when needed; her eye and advice is invaluable to help point you in the right direction. I have now got hooked and have been coming to a regular fortnightly class for the past term. I am gaining so much from these sessions, both about shape and form but also about myself and the way that I work. Sculpting helps me to slow down and pay attention to detail in a way that I am finding very therapeutic."

Sculpture Workshops Oxford responded:

"Thank you , Anne! that is very encouraging!"

Ann Aitken reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"How fortunate we were to have been recommended to Beatrice's courses - the opportunity to learn from such a skilled sculptor who is also an arts educator and a therapist is rare! My 14 year old daughter attended her second course with Beatrice summer 2018, (the previous one was 18 months ago), and once again she thoroughly enjoyed it & produced a beautiful sculpture. Beatrice allows the participants to choose what to make, but provides many ways to inspire her students with animal figures, photos & other student's sculptures. Beatrice is an amazing teacher, providing guidance, advice & helping the students to develop their techniques."

Jeanine de Cock reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I enjoy Beatrice Hoffman's sculpture workshops very much and look forward to start again in a few week's time - I need that "getting away from it all" time !"

Cathy Hopkins reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Thanks for the really enjoyable course. My boys came away bouncing up and down saying 'can we do another session please?!'. I love your teaching approach with the children and it's such a lovely relaxed atmosphere"

Chris Vardy reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I recently did a wonderful weekend clay sculpting course with Beatrice and found her an inspirational and encouraging teacher. Just wished I lived nearer so I could attend regularly."

Alexandra Elvin reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"A wonderful course. Learn-as-you-go in a relaxed atmosphere. Be inspired by Beatrice's works which are displayed everywhere and by the talent of fellow students. Beatrice is encouraging, straight talking, knowledgeable, patient and kind, I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days and I learned so much. Highly recommend it. Alexandra '"

Beth Biddies reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"Following a break from making sculpture, Beatrice's 2 day course was the perfect way in which to 're immerse' myself back into making. Beatrice is incredibly attentive and helpful, offering constructive feedback in a supportive and encouraging way. The small group sizes also enable sufficient opportunity for one-to-one support and in depth conversations about the sculpture making process, as well as group discussion. Thank you very much - I am so glad I decided to attend the course and look forward to hopefully signing up for more!"

Ali Kitchener reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I went to Beatrice’s class as a taster session, a gift from my husband and soon found that I loved it! Beatrice is informative, talented and encouraging and it opens my mind to the artistic side of life! I love being “an artist” for a few hours a week and developing a side of myself that was buried deep within."

Nicola Keane reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Beatrice’s workshops are unique. Each participant is free to choose his or her own direction and there is a treasure trove of photographs and books and models for inspiration. She is a very attentive and intuitive teacher who seems to be able to tune in to the needs of each of the participants, whilst still imparting her knowledge to the whole group. The variety of sculptures produced by the group speaks for itself. There is enormous satisfaction in taking a lump of clay, and over the course of a number of weeks, fashioning it into whatever you want, only limited by your imagination and the end of the class. It is the most concentrated 3 hours in my week and the time flies by!"

Ingrid Papaphilippopoulos reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I began with several one-off workshops through the autumn but I was actually hooked from day one. Beatrice found a full time space for me in one of her groups the next term, and now I can’t imagine a time when I won’t be sculpting. The groups are kept small (6 to 8 people) so there is plenty of time for everyone to get individual attention. Also Beatrice has the knack of including everyone periodically, inviting opinions, discussions on techniques or form etc, which encourages constructive comments and a certain cohesion in the group. She is, herself extremely knowledgeable and accomplished as an artist and delightful as a human being. I would recommend everyone to try this at least once for its fabulous potential for creativity but also for its mindfulness and therapeutic value."

Clare Burgess reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"After a Taster Course at Ardington Crafts, I have been to several of Beatrice’s lovely sculpture in clay classes over the past year. Beatrice is an excellent teacher; warm and enthusiastic, she has taught me to look more carefully at shapes and lines. Thanks to Beatrice, I am now beginning to notice for myself what is important in terms of proportion and contours in a sculpture, and what needs bringing to the fore and what can be ignored. With her many years’ teaching experience, she is wonderfully positive when things go wrong, or when your sculpture need radical re-thinking! 6 or 8 weekly blocks of classes are ideal for gradual learning of skills and allow enough time to produce a sculpture you can be really pleased with. The time goes so quickly, I just love it!"

Rhiannon reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Beatrice is a wonderful teacher who is calm, patient and inspiring. She has helped guide me through the process of sculpture which has enabled me to get back to being a creative person after many, many years away from creativity. She advises on a number of different techniques and always explains why we do a particular technique. When helping to improve your work she explains the art theory behind her advice but always allows you to evolve your work - just with the help of her expertise :-) I have had such a great time doing two terms of sculpture and I am looking forward to more!"

Michael Buick reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"These are great workshops. Beatrice is a patient and encouraging teacher. She helped me to get over my self-criticism and enjoy turning a lump of mud into an object that only I could have produced. And she helped those objects become more and more expressive with each lesson. The location takes a bit of travel, but it is worth it: a sunlit conservatory in a lovely, sculpture-filled garden."

Fiona Love reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Sculpture classes are an oasis in my week. A time to learn and be creative in convivial company. Beatrice imparts her expert knowledge and understanding to enable each of us to develop our own ideas. I have had fun, learnt lots and made progress. Thank you Beatrice."

Paula Hermoso reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I came for a one off session and became completely addicted to the pleasures of sculpting with clay. I have now been coming for over a year and find it a really enjoyable, creative and therapeutic outlet which is totally engaging for the duration of the session. Beatrice is an excellent teacher, who shares her vast knowledge and enthusiasm for sculpture and demonstrates many general sculpture techniques. She is patient and encouraging and gives you just the right amount of help and guidance whatever your age or ability. I highly recommend Beatrice's sculpture workshops and her sculptures around the house, studio and garden are inspiring."

Chris Cross reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"Beatrice manages to further her students’ skill sets while at the same time encouraging original work and growth of the individual’s imagination. This results in an enjoyable and fulfilling experience and there is even something to show for it when a project is finished! Chris Cross"

Sandra Hopes reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have really enjoyed your Sculpture Workshops, I have learnt such a lot. I know I have mainly made heads, but the wealth of knowledge you have is tremendous. You have put me right many times. It all goes in though and I remember it all. The time goes really fast when we are in sessions. I look forward to making many more heads all a bit better than the last one, I look forward to the next term."

Sue Blenkinsop reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been a student under the tutelage of Beatrice Hoffman for some years. She is a rigorous and empathetic teacher, bringing out the best in students with encouragement and vision. I have learnt so much and value her criticism and wide knowledge of her subject and art history."

Sarah Ingham-Clark reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been attending Beatrice's workshops for a number of years and never fail to gain something from them each time. She has an unfailing eye for what works in a sculpture - her criticism and instruction allow you to make the most out of your ideas. If I worked in isolation at home I would not be pushing myself to the same extent nor be so happy that I was progressing."

Chris Cross reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"Beatrice manages to further her students’ skill sets while at the same time encouraging original work and growth of the individual’s imagination. This results in an enjoyable and fulfilling experience and there is even something to show for it when a project is finished!"

sarah ingham clark reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I have been attending Beatrice's workshops for a number of years and never fail to gain something from them each time. She has an unfailing eye for what works in a sculpture - her criticism and instruction allow you to make the most out of your ideas. If I worked in isolation at home I would not be pushing myself to the same extent nor be so happy that I was progressing."

Antonia Jenkionson reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"My child enjoyed the sculpture workshop immediately - it was a sociable and informal atmosphere and he achieved real success in a very short time. I would strongly recommend this course"

Ros Caffyn reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Izzy really enjoyed your sculpture workshop. She really liked the fact that she could be freely expressive but with lots of technical and moral support from you. She found you to be friendly and approachable and the class atmosphere both relaxed and fun. She also liked the fact that you had so many resources in the room that she could call on for inspiration."

Sue Blenkinsop reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I have been a student under the tutelage of Beatrice Hoffman for some years. She is a rigorous and empathetic teacher, bringing out the best in students with encouragement and vision. I have learnt so much and value her criticism and wide knowledge of her subject and art history."

Claire Havey reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Beatrice is an excellent teacher, incredibly patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I came to her class as a complete beginner after visiting her studio during Art Weeks. Beatrice was so friendly and welcoming I just wanted to give sculpture and clay modelling a go. As a complete beginner I’ve found the classes to be really friendly and supportive. Beatrice is an excellent teacher: she sees things in your work which you weren’t aware of, and she helps you develop your skills so you end up with a really nice piece of work - something which you can be proud of. Doing the actual sculpture / clay modelling is very therapeutic and relaxing - I would recommend it to everyone as a great way to alleviate stress."