Description

Zen in the art of carving stone

This course will focus on mindfulness in the process of carving a single piece of stone.

Beginning by feeling the nature of the stone, the weight of the mallet, the coolness/warmth of the chisel or the roughness of the file, we will place in our mind’s eye a simple shape.

From this straightforward beginning, we will move into mindfulness of the body movement whilst carving, and discover the way the stone allows the shape to emerge and the way the emerging shape directs and leads our body.

Instruction will readily and constantly be available but there will also be short periods when the class will just silently engage in carving.

This work will be supported by some short periods of formal meditation.

This course will be suitable for both beginners and those with some experience of carving. It will allow beginners to become familiar with the tools and processes of carving and will allow experienced carvers to reacquaint themselves with their own experience of carving. Participants will leave the course with a piece of work suitable for display.

Each student will be given a block of Limestone, easily carved by beginners yet still a material of choice for many professional carvers.
Coffee, tea, snacks and a light lunch are provided each day.

All materials, tools, safety glasses, and dust masks will be provided. Health and safety are of paramount importance, students are strongly advised to wear steel toe-cap safety boots (or stout footwear) and old clothes.