Getting the feel for art

A nude model sat in classic repose, surrounded by seven student sculptors Wednesday in a studio at Brand Park.

On pedestals in front of each student were pieces of clay in various forms of completion all looking much like the model who did an amazing job of holding still.

The students were taking a sculpting class from Laguna Beach School of Art scholar John Alcantara as part of a series offered through the city of Glendale’s Recreation, Parks and Community Services Department.

At a time when sculpting is literally becoming a lost art, Alcantara believes it is one of the classic art forms that helps artists develop other skills.

“It is important because it is looking at things dimensionally,” said Alcantara, who has taught the class for 11 years. “It allows you to understand how the light falls around a figure.”

In Europe, drawing and painting students are always asked to sculpt first, he said.

“But we don’t do that here too often anymore,” he said.

For Alcantara, the process of sculpting is as important as the outcome for himself and his students.

“It’s the beauty you get that speaks to the person looking at it,” he said. “If there is any time when art is necessary, it is now, in today’s time. It’s my goal to spread the word of creativity.”

Christopher Donabedian, of Glendale, used small pieces of wood that looked like altered Popsicle sticks to nimbly peel of clay from parts of his sculpture while dabbing some on in others, refining a vague form until it begins to take a well-defined shape.

“It just gives me a lift,” said Donabedian, who found sculpting as a hobby after he retired in 1999. “It’s a creative process that relaxes me.”

He likes Alcantara’s teaching style, which he said allows students to explore. The sculptures from the students in the class ranged from classic to impressionistic to neo-modern.

“He doesn’t try to influence you,” Donabedian said. “He gives you some hints and let’s you do your thing.”

Janet Santiestevan, of La Cañada Flintridge, is a retired psychologist who said she worked on the mind for years, so now she’s working on the body.

“I enjoy the creativity, the feel of the clay,” she said. “I do drawing and painting and I find there is a cross-fertilization. I like to put life and movement into my sculpting.”

Alcantara also teaches a life drawing classes on Mondays. For more information or to register for any class offered through the department call (818) 548-2000 or visit www.parks.ci.Glendale.ca.us.