Returning to the Studio as a Student

There are moments in an artist’s life when stepping forward also means stepping back—back into the role of a student, back into observation, discipline, and humility.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Sculptors Retreat, an immersive experience dedicated to refining anatomical understanding and deepening the relationship between observation and form. It was an intense and enriching environment, surrounded by artists committed to the same pursuit: to see more clearly, and to translate that vision into sculpture.

Following this experience, I continued my studies at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, where I took an intensive portrait sculpture course with Eudald de Juana.

The course exceeded my expectations on every level.

The academy itself is remarkable—its spaces, organization, and atmosphere create the ideal conditions for focused work. The model, Thommy, demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, offering a steady and precise presence that allowed for deep concentration. And Eudald, beyond his profound technical knowledge, stands out for his clarity in teaching and his genuine human quality—something that is increasingly rare and deeply valuable.

Working on the bust was not only a technical exercise, but also a reminder of the importance of structure, rhythm, and sensitivity in capturing the essence of a human presence. It reinforced something fundamental: no matter how long one has been practicing, there is always more to learn, refine, and rediscover.

Giving myself the time to return to this space of learning was, in many ways, a gift.

If you would like to see a glimpse of the process behind the creation of the bust during this course, I invite you to watch the full video on my Instagram profile:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWjlvYCAF77/?igsh=b2QxaTdqMnZiNW94