MEET OUR SPEAKERS
We are excited to present you with an incredible lineup of dynamic speakers who are going to share their expertise and passion for polymer clay during the Polymer Week 2024 event.
During the first day of the event, you’ll have the opportunity to attend thought-provoking discussions, demonstrations, and engaging storytelling.
CAROLINE MCFARLANE-WATTS
A CLAY JOURNEY FROM NOWHERE TO HOLLYWOOD
It all started with a few crumbs of colored clay in the hands of an eight-year-old girl from a tiny village on the edge of nowhere. Caroline’s polymer clay journey began as a way to bring her ideas, dreams, and stories to life. She will take you from her days as an awkward child in rural England to her rise in Hollywood, the "entertainment capital of the world," and beyond. Now, with a business that spans 50 countries, Caroline will talk about how she turned her passion into a global venture, spreading her creativity around the world.
ABOUT CAROLINE
As a movie miniaturist working in entertainment, creating detailed models and miniature sets, Caroline brought much attention to polymer clay in the movie industry. She has been showcasing her sculptures and miniatures on TV, for example as a judge in the HBO competitive art show 'Craftopia'. While being featured in multiple galleries, Caroline also runs a small business Tall Tales Productions in Los Angeles which creates runs of small batch mass-produced figurines for the collectible market that are then sold in more than fifty countries worldwide.
ARNOLD GOLDMAN & ALEX MADEJ
BEHIND THE CLAY
Ever wondered what it takes to create a block of polymer clay? Step behind the scenes with Arnold Goldman, the visionary founder of Cosclay, and Alex Madej, the company's Media Director, as they offer an exclusive look into the production of their innovative polymer clay. Discover how this unique material is transforming the way sculptors approach their craft.
ABOUT COS CLAY
Cosclay is a specialized type of polymer clay that remains flexible after curing, unlike traditional polymer clays that harden completely when baked. This flexibility makes it ideal for projects requiring durability and bendability, such as stop-motion animation figures, doll-making, or detailed sculpture work that benefits from its resistance to cracking and breaking.
JANE PELLICCIOTTO
THE POWER OF SURPRISE IN ART & CRAFT
The element of surprise can be a powerful tool that enhances the overall experience for the viewer. It can evoke emotions or turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's the unexpected twist, the surprising juxtaposition, or the hidden detail that creates delight. Surprise can be both big and subtle, taking on many forms. In her presentation, Jane will share how to inject surprise into your own work.
ABOUT JANE
Jane lives on the west coast of the U.S., and turned to jewelry making later in life after decades as a graphic designer. Starting as a metalsmith, she added polymer clay to the variety of materials she works with. Jane takes cues from the urban environment such as signage, industrial sites, architecture and more, and enjoys finding beauty in the ordinary.
CHRISTOPHER NOTBUSCH
THE ART OF STREAMING
Curious what it's like to share your artistic process daily with thousands of fans watching? Christopher has been streaming on Twitch for over a decade. His audience interacts with him in real time, drawing inspiration from his skills and incredible attention to detail. In his presentation, Christopher will talk about his experiences with polymer clay, and how building a vibrant, engaged community has influenced his life and artistic journey.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER
A self-taught traditional polymer clay sculptor based in the central U.S., Christopher Notbusch creates fantastical creatures and heroes. When he was 10 years old, his grandmother, an oil painter, bought him a book called Modeling with Polymer Clay by David Kracov, which paved the way for him to become one of the foremost polymer clay sculptors, known for his meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
ENKHE TSERENBADAM
REPETITION IN DESIGN
Repetition is one of the five fundamental principles of art and design, frequently employed by polymer clay artists, especially in jewelry and decorative items. Enkhe will share her insights on these principles, highlighting the importance of repetition not only in polymer clay jewelry making but also in other artistic genres. "I find polymer clay an ideal medium for exploring repetition," she says, showcasing its versatility and impact on her creations.
ABOUT ENKHE
Born in Mongolia, Enkhe Tserenbadam has lived in Switzerland for over 20 years. "I mostly make jewelry and occasionally vessels as decorative pieces," she says. She has a deep passion for exploring forms, textures, repetition, and the colors found in both urban and rural landscapes.