Nature has provided a source of inspiration for relief stone carvers for thousands of years. Whether it was symbols of fertility and renewal, the passage of the seasons, animals, birds, fish or flowers and plants, all have been depicted in stone.
Join in with centuries of carvers and capture nature in stone with stone carver, Gaynor Pearson. Over two days, you will have the opportunity to plan and carve an image or symbol that represents what nature and the environment mean to you. You will explore the design, find out how to execute a relief carving, explore different effects and techniques you can use to frame or create a background and learn how to finish and refine your work.
There will be a range of templates available depicting some of these inspiring subjects, or you can bring along your own design. The size of the stone available will be 30cm x 35cm or 45cm x 20cm and these will be sawn limestone blocks of either creamy Bath Limestone or golden Cotswold limestone. There may be some more random pieces available if you wish to explore a design that requires a different shaped stone or would prefer to test yourself against a more challenging stone. Please call to discuss.
Please note there is a £25 material charge payable on the day for the standard sizes. Other charges may apply for non standard requests.
Click on the title below to find a list of what you’ll need to bring with you if anything.
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
You will be carving a limestone - great stone to carve. You will complete a simple relief carving during the two days - a number of templates will be provided as ideas but if you have your own design ideas, please bring them along - 30cm x 35cm or 20cm x 45cm.
All tools and materials will be provided but please bring:
- Clothes you don't mind getting dusty or overalls.
- Steel toed shoes if you have them or stout shoes.
- 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 but undercover. 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!