Ref: S5D38099
Choosing from the tutors collection of flints or ones that you have brought yourself, begin a sculptural journey. Study the flint nodule, draw or add clay/plasticine if you wish to extend the form. From this maquette or drawing, a sculpture will be created, hand carved from a softer limestone, soapstone and alabaster.
There will also be lots of inspiration on the walls, a presentation and books to peruse. Also, there are lots of flint nodules!
There will be a variety of stones to choose, from cut limestone blocks to more natural rock shapes in soapstone and alabaster. Though there is a wide selection, there might not be the exact fit, so be prepared to alter your design. Colours vary from cream, white, greens and browns, and shades in between. Stones vary from soft to hard.
The course is for all abilities and will be tailored to individual needs and experience. It starts with an induction in the health and safety issues concerned with stone carving. Then there will be an explanation of the different types of stone, mainly sedimentary and metamorphic, that are used for stone sculpture. Within the Sculpture Courtyard, there is a great geological display cupboard that illustrates this.
What is flint?
Flint occurs chiefly as nodules in sedimentary rocks such as chalks and limestones and is a sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, categorised as a variety of chert. The exact mode of formation of flint is not yet clear, but it is thought that it occurs as a result of chemical change in compressed sedimentary rock formations during the process of diagenesis. One theory is that a gelatinous material fills the cavities in the sediment, such as holes bored by molluscs and crustaceans and that becomes silicified. This would explain the complex unusual shapes.
Flint is very hard, but can be used to make stone tools and to start fires, and also as a construction material. Examples of this can be seen all over West Dean in its buildings, walls and floors.
The tutor has a collection of flint nodules foraged from various places, such as rivers, the beach and fields. Attracted by the visible form, she stoops to pick them up, rub the dirt away, turn them in her hand. They are such strange shapes, some with holes. Do they look like figures, animals or monumental forms?
Henry Moore said, There is an infinite amount to be seen and enjoyed in the world. Everything you can think of has its own individual, unified idea of form.
In Henry Moores maquette studio in Perry Green, there is a photo of a bucket of flints, and on the shelves, small sculptures constructed by adding clay to the nodules of flints. These became the catalysts for larger sculptures.
Henry Moore said, I am a sculptor because the shape of things matter even more to me than the colour of them. For me, it is the three-dimensional reality and shape which one wants to understand, to grasp and to experience.
Safety glasses/ goggles and dust masks are provided by the college, along with the use of tools and equipment. Printed information handouts will be available.
Group and individual demonstrations on techniques, the use of tools and stages of carving a sculpture, including polishing, will be given throughout the course. The course uses mainly hand tools, mallets, chisels, files and rasps.
The aim of the course is to carve one or more, three-dimensional stone sculptures, inspired by the shapes of flint nodules. There will be display of the maquettes and sculptures at the end of the course to celebrate everyones achievements.
Please note, stones are not included in the course fee. Stones used on the course need to be bought individually, according to your design and requirements, from the College Craft Shop.
Available from shop: The Sculpture Courtyard stocks a variety of stones, such as limestones, alabasters and soapstones, ranging from £3 - £6 a kilo. The stones are weighed before carving and paid for in the Craft Shop before the end of the course. The shop also stocks everything for sketching and painting.
Please note: your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals). Safety boots if possible. Stone carving is a dusty activity, safety equipment (safety glasses and ear defenders) can be borrowed, masks are provided but you might like to bring close fitting gloves or gardening gloves to work in. Eye protection and face masks are supplied by the College and are essential. Full health and safety instructions will be given. Stone carving is a physical activity, and it is most effective when standing up but can be achieved sitting down.
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
Paula Haughney,sculptor, stone-carver, maker and teacher studied at Portsmouth Polytechnic and Eastern Illinois university obtaining a BA and MA in Fine Art Sculpture. Stone carving came later, once found, she realised this was her chosen medium. Now having over 30 years experience and many monumental sculptures completed she has taught at all levels, exhibits regularly and is included in public collections worldwide.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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