Ref: SWE42020
This is a beginnersÂ’ course for those wishing to discover more about stone carving and making sculpture. ItÂ’s an action-packed weekend, which will cover all you need to know, including which stones are used for carving and the techniques to reduce the given rock to the desired form. No experience is needed, it is easier than you think, and there is a method and stone to suit everyone. You just need enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go.
On the first evening, there will be an introduction to the course and a tour of the Sculpture Courtyard. Health and safety will be covered. It is important to have a good work practice from the start. How you stand and hold the chisel/hammer is very important to be an efficient and productive carver.
Three projects will be set to give you the experience of two types of stone, their different qualities and techniques for carving.
You will be given a block of Maltese limestone, 6 x 6 x 2 inches (still sold in imperial measurements), cut into two. This is a soft sedimentary rock with a fine grain.
First project - using one piece of the Maltese limestone, create a small sculpture. A variety of tools will be used to shape the stone. You will be sawing, chiselling, drilling, filing and texturing. This is a practice piece to experience all the ways of reducing and shaping the block. The tutor will demonstrate all the tools needed for this task.
Second project - using the second piece of Maltese limestone, carve a small relief of an oak leaf. You will learn how to transfer a design onto a block, enlarging by squares, roughing out to a level, shaping the design, undercutting, finishing and texturing.
Third project - direct carving. You will choose a small metamorphic soapstone rock with at least one natural surface. The soapstone has wonderful colour and markings and can be polished to a silky surface. How to smooth and polish will be shown. This is a free expressive project, and it is up to you how to respond to the form of the stone. Finally, it will be finished with oil and wax.
You will be taught by demonstrating carving techniques and processes and one-to-one tutorials. By the end of the course, you will have gained skills and knowledge to embark on your own sculptural journey and have three examples of different ways of working to take away. The tutor will bring examples, imagery and books to inspire you.
Written information will be given throughout the course:
Use of tools and oils
Stone will be available and can be bought individually from the tutor
The course is held in the Sculpture Courtyard building, which is open on one side, so bring warm clothing depending on the weather.
All tools and equipment for the course are provided by the college.
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 such as eye shields and dust masks will be provided. Stone carving is a physical activity, and it is most effective when standing up, but can be achieved sitting down.
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.
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.
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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