Alicia N. Ponzio
MASTER ARTIST
Unlock Your Artistic Potential
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MEDIUMS: Sculpture
SPECIALTY: ✔ Technique
I’m a representational sculptor with extensive training in clay modeling, mold making, plaster and bronze casting. My portfolio includes work in figure, multifigure, portrait, animal, and relief sculpture including relief depictions with landscape elements. My knowledge of Artistic Anatomy is extensive. I’m proficient at TIG welding and experienced at producing finished bronzes at life-size and under scale. I also have experience in relief sculpture both bas-relief and high relief compositions. My group would focus on developing a work of representational sculpture from concept to completed plaster or bronze. This would include armature design, clay modeling, human anatomy, composition of the figure, infusing the piece with expression, advice about mold making, and guidance in the casting and finishing of the piece. As an instructor, my strengths include the abilities to help people of all levels understand complex thought processes and to organize their efforts into a coherent method. The figure is an extremely complex, subtle and nuanced form. I enjoy exploring the creative possibilities with students.
I’m an experienced instructor and have taught in venues throughout the United States, in Europe and in Canada with students of all skill levels. I feel that an education in figurative art is extremely valuable as it encourages the development of a wide range of important intellectual, emotional, and manual skills. I strive to meet students where they are at and foster their growth toward their individual goals.
My group will include a goal setting and introduction session on Day 1, from there assignments and discussions will be tailored to meeting the goals we establish. During each meeting we will share progress and discuss how we’ve met the objectives of the assignment. Mentees who enter after the start date will be welcomed into the group and there will be time reserved for them to discuss their experiences and goals.
My goal is to create a supportive environment in which people may ask questions and speak openly about their work.
Alicia‘s EXPERTISE
Listed below are this Mentor’s specialty skills. Join this group if you want to grow in these areas.
Specialty: ✔ Technique
Technical:
Composition
Technique Demos
Studio Setup for Art Production
Teaching How to Self Critique
Providing Art Critiques
Marketing:
Website Design
Artist Statement & CV
Social Media
“Mastrius is a perfect balance of accountability, community and fun.
It feels like family. Family that makes you a better you.”
~ Elizabeth, Emerging Artist
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If the group you’re interested in has a waitlist, you have the option to join another group to get started. When your group opens we can transfer you over.
Your Membership Includes (click here):
- Mentorship Session: Meet via video conference for a monthly 2-hour session with your Mentor and small group. You choose the mentor, we provide the group!
- Mid-Month Session: Meet via video conference for a 1-hour session with your small group and Navigator to connect, share progress, encouragement, and support.
- Weekly Events: Attend LIVE weekly events online, on hot topics like Finding Your Style, Composition & Critiques, plus master DEMOS. Access event recordings!
- MyStudio: Access your private online studio space equipped with business tools and Mentorship Session Recordings.
- Chat Group: Access your private online chat group to connect with your small group and Navigator (group facilitator) anytime.
- Discounts: Enjoy member discounts on LIVE and ON-DEMAND courses, art supplies, and more!
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alicia N. Ponzio (b.1974) began her career as a Lieutenant in the United States’ Navy Nurse Corps. After experimenting with various mediums in figurative art, she found her voice in sculpture and made the decision to pursue it. She completed her education at the Florence Academy of Art (FAA) Sculpture Program in 2008. She was then the director of the Artistic Anatomy and Écorché Sculpture programs, as well as a figure drawing instructor at the FAA until 2011, when she returned to the United States to set up her creative studio in downtown San Francisco. Today she continues to create work in her San Francisco studio, is a visiting faculty member of The Lyme Academy of fine Art Core Sculpture Program and offers workshops in various locations around the United States, in Europe, and in Canada.
Alicia brings life to her bronzes and plasters, focusing on the abstract movement of forms as embodied in the human figure, as well as the subtle shades of human emotion. She favors asymmetry, irregularity, and variety in design: qualities that suggest a human touch. Her work ranges from miniature portraits to larger scale single figure and multi-figure compositions. Both her figure compositions and portraits have received recognition and honors from several organizations including the Art Renewal Center, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, The Portrait Society of America, The California Art Club and The National Sculpture Society from which Alicia received the Alex J. Ettl Grant in 2016. In order to explore the expressive possibilities of the medium, Alicia studied bronze casting at The Crucible in Oakland, CA. Since 2015 she has been casting her bronzes independently: Alicia feels that it’s important to communicate directly between the mind, heart, and hands of the artist.
In addition to teaching classes and workshops, Alicia has presented lectures about her work, methods, and inspirations at The University of Calgary, The Portrait Society of America’s Annual Conference, The Haynes Galleries, and more. She has developed and taught classes for many organizations including Pixar Studios, The Rome Workshops, Brookgreen Gardens, The Academy of Art University, The University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, The Portrait Society of America, and The Florence Academy of Art. Alicia is committed to the creation and development of figurative art and sees education as an important aspect of her work.
