The aim of this course is to inspire you and provide you with the basic skills to design and carve a Celtic knot in stone. To achieve this, you are invited to explore the space between two and three-dimensions using a range of processes, materials, tools and techniques.

After an introduction to low relief in general and the history and significance of Celtic knots, you are invited to explore Celtic knots using rope and, through drawing, create a Celtic knot to investigate the qualities and dynamics of this fascinating form.

You will draw a template on paper, which you will then transfer onto a piece of limestone. The template is a guide to help your orientation as you start carving the outline of this design.

You will start looking at perspective through layering of woven elements as you start transferring and carving your Celtic knot. The predominant element is a regular weave that you integrate into this durable material.

Before you start carving your design, your tutor will introduce and demonstrate to you the tools and basic stone carving techniques, so that you feel ready to put a chisel on your stone tile and carve. The carving demonstration includes:

• What are the characteristics of a reductive process?
• Which chisel to choose and why
• How to create an even surface
• Cutting of a clean edge and how to create layers in your carving
• How can a woven pattern be transferred into stone?

Once your relief is carved, your tutor will share with you how you can polish aspects of your shapes and use surface texture if you want some forms to stand out.

By the end of this course, you will be able to create your own Celtic knot design through the drawing principles demonstrated, and you will be familiar with techniques applied to carve a low relief woven pattern in stone.

A list of stone and tool suppliers will be available to all students at the end of this course.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply the Portland stone tiles.

The college will supply some of the materials, including pencils, paper and rope.

What students need to bring

• Apron or overalls, hat, gloves to work in or to handle stone (need to fit)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art and craft materials

Additional information

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
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

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