Ref: SSS39915
Life beneath the waves is abundant in its variety of shapes and colours. It is a perfect subject for a sculptor to explore, from shells to exotic fish and much more. On this course, you will learn to express the vibrancy and uniqueness of these creatures by translating their forms into your own stone sculpture. You will consider how to show movement and vitality in stone. You will explore the process of creating a stone sculpture from beginning to end, including how to design, what stone to choose, the methods of reducing the stone efficiently, creating a desired shape, different textures through to finishes and polishing. The sculpture courtyard provides plenty of room and is open on one side, bringing you close to the outdoors.
You begin by carving a small fish or sea creature in colourful soapstone, supported by your tutor. Different methods of carving will be discussed and explained.
You then develop ideas for a marine inspired sculpture through discussion with your tutor before selecting the stone. There will be resource materials and images available for inspiration and ideas (though do bring your own too). Then it is full steam ahead to carve your chosen subject as you develop your knowledge and skills in stone carving.
This course is for beginners and those with experience. Group demonstrations on tools and stone carving techniques will be given throughout. Teaching is based on an individual basis and ambition for the course.
By the end of the course, you will have advanced at your own pace in the practice of stone carving and sculpture. Printed handouts with information and stone topics will be given throughout the course. All tools and equipment are provided by the College for use during your time on the course.
Please note: This course can be physical and it is better to stand when carving, though it can be achieved sitting down. It is held in the Sculpture Courtyard which is a short walk away from the main house and it is open to the elements on one side. Bring suitable clothing and an umbrella. Morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided nearby and you can return to the main house for lunch.
Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
There will be a variety of stone available – Limestones, alabasters, and soapstones – in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They cost from £3 to £6 a kilo. Stone is stored at the Sculpture Courtyard where you will be working. After choosing, it will be weighed and you then pay for it at the College Shop. The College tries hard to provide a choice of stone but be prepared to be open and flexible in your design for your sculpture.
Available from shop: Stone and a good selection of general art materials including sketchbooks and drawing materials.
Available from tutor: Some additional stone
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
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
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.
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.
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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