The majestic flight and inscrutable command of these beautiful birds has been revered by many cultures and has inspired artists for thousands of years. Representing wisdom, knowledge, magic and good luck join stone carver, Gaynor Pearson, and be inspired by this versatile subject. Depending on your experience and preferences, you can explore how to represent owls either in relief or 3D, either with realism or in a more abstract, simplified or stylised form.
During this 3 day workshop, you will…
– Explore a realistic or stylised approach to your design
– Select stone that will suit your treatment of the subject
– Learn how to plan carving on your selected stone
– 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 3 days you will be working mainly outside, under cover, as part of a small group, with one to one guidance and help when needed.
Lunch and refreshments are included throughout.
Please note there is a materials charge for stone payable on the day. This will vary depending on the stone selected but will be within the range of £30 – £50.
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 or photographs 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 get in touch prior to the workshop if you have specific ideas that will need appropriate stone, size or type and we'll do our best to provide it.
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!
