Sculpture Work

Exercise: The Individual Sculpture

Pair up with a partner for this experiential exercise.

1. Step 1: Person A recalls a specific situation that was emotionally charged — for example, an argument with a partner or friend. A remembers the event from an associated (first-person) perspective, visualizing everyone involved and including all sensory modalities (sight, sound, touch, etc.).
2. Step 2: A now uses B as a “sculpture.” Without words, A positions B’s body — adjusting posture, orientation, gestures, and facial expression — until the external sculpture matches A’s inner image of the situation.
3. Step 3: Examples of sculptural elements to explore include: stance and weight distribution, body tilt, arm and hand placement, head angle, gaze direction, and facial tension.
4. Step 4: B remains in the sculpture pose until they can clearly identify their own inner experience — including emotions, bodily sensations, and thoughts — and mentally note these.
5. Step 5: A then steps into the sculpture themselves, adopting exactly the same posture as B. A remains in the pose until they become aware of their own feelings, sensations, and thoughts emerging from this position.
6. Step 6: Afterward, both participants release the pose. B shares their feelings, sensations, and thoughts first, while A listens attentively. A then reflects on which of these experiences they resonate with or recognize within themselves.
7. Step 7: Finally, A shares their own experience — describing what they felt, sensed, or thought while inhabiting the sculpture.