Carving with Classical flair – Maine-Coast Traditional Arts Workshops – MAINE

So this week will be an opportunity to study under one of the best carvers in the world.  Alexander will start the class off with an in-depth study of how to sharpen carving tools in the most productive and fastest way.  Students will carve a project that will include the technique of using carving tools to do the majority of outlining and defining the lines of the design.  Alexander will help students learn how to think in 3D and discuss how to make the tools do a variety of cuts, even when the wood grain is not cooperating.  Students will learn the technique of thinking through the entire carving process from start to finish which will make the carving process efficient.  Then it’s on to more advanced carving including the technique of drawing and carving in the classical tradition.  As the week proceeds and students begin to get a feel for the carving process, Alexander will answer the biggest question in carving designs; how does a carver create the BIG idea?  Alexander and all of the students will design a project together by employing the most ancient math method. This method could be used in any type of woodcarving including carving for furniture or carving in 3D (carving in-round) or just in ornamental or architectural types of wood carving.

Key Points:

*Classical design development for carving–the ancient art of  design

*How to think in 3D before you carve–the art of composition

*How to properly use wood carving tools for safety and efficiency

*How to work with wood grain issues

*How to carve a classical design applicable to any type of woodcarving (furniture, ornamental, architectural)

*How to sharpen wood carving tools fast and efficient

*Tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your carvings