Relief carving is halfway between drawing and sculpture, so it can still have a convincing sculptural form. It allows one to carve figures more freely without worrying about the fragility of outstretched limbs. You can introduce a narrative if you wish, with more than one figure or a small group of figures. Perspective can be used or ignored and you can carve both in low relief (like a coin) or in high relief (nearly fully rounded but still attached to the background). Relief carving lends itself to effects of light and shade and textural contrasts.

For your design, you could use a life drawing or combine several drawings to form a narrative. You could depict clothed figure(s) or just the head and shoulders. You could translate a favourite painting into three dimensions. Reference material will be available if you are unsure what design to choose.

To begin, there will be a brief survey of relief stone carving from different eras and cultures. A small sketch in clay can be made to clarify your composition before starting work on the stone. You will be shown how to draw on the block and begin to remove stone from around your figure(s). You will be working in Maltese limestone, which is relatively soft and easy to carve. The blocks will be 8” x 8” x 3” in depth; this allows for high relief if desired.

For beginners, practical instruction and advice on basic stone carving techniques will be given. If you already have some experience, tutorials will be offered to help you to advance your practice. There will be demonstrations given for the different stages of the carving – roughing out, shaping and finishing.

At the end of the course, you will have a relief carving in stone and will have gained knowledge and confidence in stone carving techniques and in your own artistic expression.

Included

On this course the College will supply:

• Clay
• Maltese limestone 8 x 8 x 3 inches approximately
• Wet and dry paper in various grades, Abranet, wax and rags

What students need to bring

• Reference materials/design for your relief carving
• Sketchbook and pencil if desired
• Apron or overalls, hat, gloves to work in or to handle stone (need to fit – gardening type gloves)
• Suncream if working outside or umbrella if forecast shows rain
• Sensible shoes/boots. Sandals must not be worn in the workshop

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good selection of art and craft materials

Additional information

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. You will return to the main house for lunch.

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 fitting 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 - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)  
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
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.

Terms & Conditions