***4 day course taking place on the following dates: Sat 09 and Sun 10 then Thu 14 and Fri 15 Sept – thus allowing for recovery time!***
Ideally you will already have had a little experience of working with stone but this is not essential. You’ll join Gaynor for 4 days of planning and carving a 3D piece and you’ll be able to choose from a range of different types of stone depending on your personal preference and the nature of your design.
The day will start with some discussion of how to approach a 3D design, a review of tools and their use followed by some warm up carving. This will give new carvers a feel for the medium and refresh the skills of those who are more experienced.
Individual plans will be discussed 1:1 and Gaynor can advise on the scale of the project, whether it is realistic in the time available, which is the most suitable stone and the best approach.
You will:
– Learn how to plan a 3D carving
– Learn how to use hand tools and carving techniques
– Find out which tools to use at each stage of your carving
– Use finishing techniques to complete your work
During the 4 days you will be working outside, under cover, as part of a small group, with one to one guidance whenever needed.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, space and 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. 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.
We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.
The finish time given is a target. There is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times for day 2 can be flexible too.
We aim for your day to be a real treat. 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 sure we provide a day where you will be 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 if you have them though various templates will be available
- 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 if the air is cold you might want to bring glove for your chisel hand -cycling or fingerless are best. 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!
