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 - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

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