The 2002 Camp Brotherhood symposium featured a series of workshops focused on the human figure. Opportunities to learn included the challenge of capturing the human essence in a few strokes of the pencil, composing a piece, transferring a small clay maquette to a life-size block of marble, and feeling our way around the head. Alexandra Morosco and Sabah Al-Dhaher led us through sketching and modeling figures in clay then demonstrated the process of transferring the composition to a life-size column of marble. Their work on the column released a woman’s form as the week progressed. In the afternoons Alflonso Rodriquez demonstrated exquisite portraiture in marble with fluid strokes that flowed through the marble to leave a delicate face and long locks. The result was inspired learning for those who worked with him and a piece that took high bid in the annual auction. Sculptors improved their appreciation and skill with the figure through the variety of opportunities, skill of the teachers, and hands-on experience.

As a special addition to the symposium, a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission made it possible to bring Michael Naranjo from New Mexico. Michael grew up on tribal lands in New Mexico where he developed an intimate knowledge of nature’s bounty and a dream of becoming a sculptor. A hand-grenade he caught during battle in the Vietnam war threatened but did not change that vision. He went on to sculpt in bronze and stone for the next 30 years despite the complete absence of sight and two fingers. Using his hands, heart, and quietly powerful presence he led the Northwest Stone Sculptors through the creation of a clay portrait while blindfolded. Participants felt their way through the face and head to learn the relationship of the parts to the whole and the power of communication through palpation. By the end of their visit, Michael and his wife Laurie brought a warm collaborative spirit to the camp that taught much more than technique.