Faculty Focus

The Professor: Beverly Semmes

The Course: Life Study

Beverly Semmes is a highly acclaimed sculptor known for commenting on the human figure—especially the female form—by creating voluminous sculptural clothing that engulfs its wearer.

At Pratt, Semmes teaches an upper-level figure drawing course. Once a week for three hours, students draw the human body—sometimes male, sometimes female. Through Life Study, students learn skills they can apply not only to drawing, but also to other disciplines—sculpting, painting, even creative writing. Semmes also teaches students to think of figure drawing itself as a discipline, and to view each sketch as its own work of art.

Text and Production: Abigail Beshkin
Video and Production: Jonathan Weitz