Atelier students come from all walks of life, each bringing their unique stories and creative journeys to the world of sculpting. Today, we’re excited to feature Craig, a dentist whose passion for sculpting has been quietly simmering for decades. From his early experiences with clay in high school to returning to the art form later in life, Craig’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, curiosity, and the right guidance.

Here’s a look at Craig’s progress as he moved through the foundational projects in the Atelier program - from simple forms to complex portraits, each stage building the skills and confidence that make this level of artistic growth possible.

Atelier foundational projects by Craig Siemens

Read on to hear about his experiences in the Atelier program and how it has transformed his approach to sculpting.

What first drew you to join the program, and where were you in your sculpting journey at the time?

For the past few years I have taken realist figure and portrait drawing/painting classes off and on, but I’ve never truly loved the process. I grew tired of mixing paints and struggling to create the illusion of three dimensions on a flat surface. Deep down, I’ve always felt like a sculptor at heart. (As a dentist, Ive been creating little tooth “sculptures” for 35 years).

I was first introduced to clay sculpture over 50 years ago (yikes!) in high school, and I loved it. My last clay sculpture was in 1977, and although I always wanted to return to it, life inevitably got in the way. The thought of creating realistic sculptures on my own felt daunting -- until I discovered Melanie’s Atelier program.

The online platform and self-paced format really attracted me. I was impressed with the detailed instructional videos, and the promise of personalized feedback and community support really appealed to me. It felt like a great way to finally reconnect with sculpting, so I signed up!

What’s changed for you since then — in your sculpting or how you approach it?

Everything! I started with very limited knowledge of portrait and figure sculpting, and now I feel genuinely confident that I can create something realistic. Melanie’s step-by-step approach has been invaluable. Working through David’s nose, ear, eye, and other features gave me a better understanding of facial structure, and made tackling a mask or full portrait far less intimidating.

I also find sculpting more forgiving than drawing or carving—being able to add and subtract clay, and simply cover a piece to return to it later, suits my perfectionist side. I’ve also been able to apply what I learned in figure drawing to working in three dimensions.

Was there a moment in the program that really stood out to you?

David's Features Study by Craig Siemens

Yes—sculpting David’s eye and lips! We see faces every day, but mostly from the front, so we tend to perceive them as flat. Creating David’s features in clay showed me just how three-dimensional they really are. I also realized that while our facial features are all structurally similar, the subtle nuances are what make each of us unique.

What feels possible for you now that didn’t before?

I now feel confident that I can create sculptures that not only resemble the model or at least look like a believable representation of a person. I’m excited to move forward with my own sculpting projects with more confidence. And I love that I can always revisit the Atelier videos whenever I need guidance or inspiration.

Portrait Study by Craig Siemens

If Craig’s story inspires you to begin your own sculpting journey, learn more about the online Atelier program here.