Stiúideo Fia recently completed another successful specialist sculpting programme in partnership with Creative Futures Academy at IADT and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, bringing together participants from a wide range of creative backgrounds including character makeup, fine art, film production design and prop making. This year’s group also included a participant currently working with Madame Tussauds London, alongside attendees travelling from Scotland and Greece to take part in the intensive studio experience in Connemara.

Delivered within the unique working environment of Stiúideo Fia on the island of Lettermore, led by stop-motion artist and Stiúideo Fia creative director Paul McDonnell, the programme combined intensive hands-on studio practice with the inspiring landscape of the Connemara Gaeltacht. Between sculpting sessions, participants shared lunches on the beach, explored the coastline and even took swims in the Atlantic, creating a strong sense of community and creative exchange throughout the week.

The programme focused on industry-standard workflows and practical skill development, giving participants the opportunity to develop highly individual concepts into finished sculptural works. Across the week, the studio was filled with an incredible range of characters and creatures, from folklore-inspired figures and ancient woodland spirits to dinosaurs, strange hybrid beings and environmental fine art pieces.

Participant feedback highlighted the value of the intensive studio-based approach, with many describing the course as a unique learning opportunity not only within Ireland but also compared to what is currently available in England. A strong demand also emerged for further specialist courses, with participants expressing interest in future training in silicone character busts, maquette sculpting and prosthetics.

A huge part of what makes the programme special is seeing participants bring their own ideas, references and creative voices into the process. The diversity of concepts and approaches this year was exceptional, with participants fully embracing experimentation, material processes and collaborative studio practice.

The programme continues to highlight the demand for specialist craft-focused training models that support emerging artists, makers and screen creatives while strengthening regional creative education opportunities in Ireland.

Special thanks to photographer Simon Boyle for capturing the atmosphere, process and energy of the week so beautifully through the fantastic images and candid behind-the-scenes moments shared throughout the programme.

This programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland & the European Union. www.eufunds.ie