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

After an introduction to low and abstract relief, you will draw and create simple paper cutouts, investigating qualities and dynamics of form. You will observe the outline of pebbles through drawing and adjust your drawing according to the dynamic you want to create.

You will start looking at perspective through layering, by transferring your drawing onto cardboard, cutting out and arranging the shapes in relation to each other, and experimenting with layering and observing perspective as you layer cutouts on top of and next to each other.

With these hands-on experiences, you will create a design for your low relief.

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 should you choose and why?
• How to create an even surface
• Cutting of a clean edge and how to create layers in your carving

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 design and carve a low relief 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 paper, sandpaper, card and glue.

What students need to bring

• 2-3 small round pebbles
• Selection of pencils and an eraser
• Drawings of pebbles – try to keep them simple, with a focus on the outline.
• These drawings are an exercise in observation and can be helpful for further explorations during this course.
• Apron or overalls, hat, gloves to work in or to handle stone (need to fit)
• Sun cream if working outside or umbrella if forecast shows rain

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety 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
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)
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

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