Brancusi and Modigliani borrowed from the primitive styling of African masks. So, why not be inspired by the iconic head carvings of the world to fashion your own unique head sculpture? Whether it’s the heads of Africa, Easter Island, Hawaii, or even Mount Rushmore that inspire you, this 3 day workshop will give you the time to carve a simple iconic head from local limestone. Previous carving experience is helpful but not essential.
– Find out about the properties of different types of stone
– Learn about the tools used for 3D carving
– Practice your carving before working on you design
– Be guided through the stages of carving from roughing out to finishing
Note that carving can be fairly strenuous, particularly at the roughing out stage. Expect a relatively small scale head of around 30cm high depending on the design.
What to expect
Days at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits on day one. Begin your session at the appointed time and there will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Each day lunch will be around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch each day. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop and providing we have notice, we are happy to cater for any dietary needs.
Finish time is given as a target – there is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times follow on days can be flexible too.
We aim for your time with us to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
All tools and materials will be provided. In addition, please bring:
- Clothes you don't mind getting dusty or overalls
- A hat is useful to keep the dust and stone chips out of your hair
- Steel toed shoes if you have them or stout shoes
- Design ideas and a sketch book would also be handy
- If you do have any of your own chisels feel free to bring them but please ensure they can be identified
Please note that you will be working outside. We have gazebos to provide cover if it rains. Even though you'll be doing physical work, if it's cold or wet, please bring something warm / waterproof to wear...if it's hot, bring sun cream!
