Ref: S3D37620
The aim of this course is to start exploring the craft of woodcarving and its potential to depict the natural world all around us. Carving in relief is a great way to explore the beauty and vibrancy of nature, and it can be effectively brought to life in this natural medium.
You will start on the first day by shaping your panel with a chisel and a mallet, getting a feel for the tools and enjoying the process of paring back the block to your desired shape. Then you will be able to choose a subject from nature that interests you most. Having turned your subject into a design, you will then transpose it onto lime wood and be taught how to realise it in relief.
The safe use of woodcarving chisels, both with the mallet and carving by hand, will be an important part of your course.
You will be carving in a pre-cut, band sawn piece of lime wood, provided to speed up the process and allow for a quick application of the woodcarving tools and the creation of form.
You will also learn how to seal and finish your completed carving. This can be left as a natural wood finish or painted in any colours you choose your tutor will direct you in the best approach, if you decide to continue with the piece after the course.
Having completed the course, you will be able to plan and design further shallow relief carving projects and be in the perfect position to develop your new found skills further.
Please note that carving is a physical process and requires standing for much of the time.
Available from shop: Graphite pencils/rubber/pencil sharpener
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Alex Jones learnt his craft at City & Guilds Art College and in a traditional studio before concentrating commissions. His work can be seen at Durrell Wildlife Park, Jersey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall. He has many pieces in private collections worldwide and has appeared on the BBC's Spring Watch and as a featured artist on the TV programme "Flog it!"
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more
