Carving with a Classical Flair – Marc Adams School of Woodworking

August 4-8, 2025

In 2012, I was named International Carver of the Year . What a surreal honor, right? (I mean, did 6-year-old me playing with scraps of wood in the USSR ever see that coming? No way. No chance.) But here’s the thing—after all these years, I’m still just as in love with carving as that little kid was. Maybe even more because now I get to share it with others.

So, let me tell you what a week working with me in class looks like. And yes, you’re gonna work—no shortcuts here because good carving takes care and practice. First off, we’re diving into sharpening tools. Why? Because dull blades drive me absolutely crazy. It’s like trying to cut bread with a spoon. No, thank you. So, I’m gonna show you not just how to sharpen your tools, but how to do it quickly and in a way that actually lasts. No more spending hours fighting with your stones—we’ve got carving to do.

Once your tools are razor-sharp, we get into the fun stuff. We’ll start with a project that focuses on—you guessed it—the basics: outlining, defining, making those crisp lines that set the foundation for everything else. And I’ll be right there showing you not just what to do, but why you’re doing it. That’s the part that I think gets lost sometimes when folks first start out. It’s not just about copying what someone else does—it’s about understanding how your tools and the wood interact. Oh, and speaking of interacting with wood grain… yeah, it doesn’t always behave. It’s kind of like a stubborn kid—sometimes you just have to outsmart it. I’ll show you how to deal with that, too.

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. I’m gonna help you start thinking in 3D. That’s the whole secret to carving—everything you do has to work together to create depth, movement, life. And that’s not something that happens by chance. It’s intentional, and it starts with planning. We’ll go through the whole process together—start to finish—and make sure every cut you make actually serves the bigger picture. No wasted effort, no second-guessing (well, okay, maybe a little—you’re human).

As the week goes on, we’ll ramp it up. I’ll teach you some classical drawing and carving techniques—the kind of stuff that’s been passed down for centuries. And before you think, “But I suck at drawing,” let me stop you right there. This isn’t about being the next Michelangelo; it’s about learning techniques that help you translate your ideas into wood. Drawing and carving—they go hand in hand. Trust me, I used to hate drawing. Now? I couldn’t imagine carving without it.

And then—my favorite part—we get to the BIG question: how do you come up with the idea? How do you design something that holds meaning or beauty or both? This is where things get creative. Together, we’ll use an ancient math method (don’t worry, nothing scary—I hate complicated math) to come up with a design that we’ll carve as a group. This method? You can use it in furniture carving, architectural work, ornaments, or even free-standing sculptures. It’s flexible and, honestly, kind of genius. It ties everything together—from tradition to creativity.

So, why do I love teaching so much? Because carving isn’t just about wood and tools. It’s about problem-solving, art, tradition, and, really, it’s about people. It’s about showing others that they can do something they never thought they could. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?

This week presents an opportunity to engage in woodcarving under the guidance of one of the world’s premier carvers, Alexander.

Wood Carving Class In INDIANA

The class starts with Alexander showing the best ways to sharpen woodcarving tools if You don’t know how too. .

Participants work on a woodcarving project, using tools to outline and define their design’s lines. Alexander teaches how to visualize in 3D and leads discussions on using carving tools for different cuts, even with tough wood grain.

As learners progress, they understand the complete woodcarving process, from start to finish, improving their carving skills.

The curriculum then moves to more advanced woodcarving techniques, based on classical traditions. Throughout the week, as students get better at carving, Alexander addresses an important question: how to think about the ‘BIG idea’ in carving designs.

Together, Alexander and the students work on a woodcarving project design, using ancient math methods that apply to different woodcarving styles, whether in furniture carving, 3D carving, or ornamental and architectural woodcarving.

Tools You’ll Need

• pfeil Swiss made – #11 Sweep Veiner, 1 mm, Intermediate Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #11 Sweep Veiner, 3 mm, Intermediate Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #2 Sweep Gouge 12 mm, Intermediate Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #7 Sweep Gouge 14 mm, Intermediate Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #9 Sweep Gouge 10 mm, Intermediate Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #9 Sweep Gouge 20 mm, Full Size
• pfeil Swiss made – #8 Sweep Spoon Gouge 7 mm, Intermediate Size

Key Points of Wood Carving Class:

• How to think in 3D before you carve
• How to use wood carving tools for safety and efficiency
• How to handle wood grain issues
• How to carve a classical design for any type of woodcarving
• How to sharpen wood carving tools quickly and efficiently
• Tips on getting the most out of your carvings