Woodcarving - Putney School of Art and Design

Woodcarving

This short course is aimed at students who have an interest in but no previous experience of carving or working with wood. For students who may have completed the one-day course introduction to woodcarving it will provide the opportunity to develop their skills further and begin work on a larger more complex project.

What The Course is About:

Students will be introduced to the basic principles and tools employed in carving wood. Employing a basic beginners set of quality British made wood carving tools, the design of the course will be based around the completion of a number of small carving projects. Through the carving of these projects’ students will learn how to use the basic tools employed in relief carving, how to sharpen, maintain and use them safely.

There will be information and discussion provided on appropriate woods for carving with an emphasis upon sustainability and use of recycled materials.

Students will be provided with a choice of projects to complete with the opportunity to bring their own ideas and designs should they wish.

The facilitator will provide reference materials, links to on-line learning and quality suppliers of both tools and materials. She/he will provide advice on tools and equipment required to continue the practice outside and beyond the PSAD.

Students will be taught;

Examples of woodcarving and difference between carving and ‘whittling’

Choosing appropriate woods for carving. The difference between seasoned/dried and ‘wet’ unseasoned wood. An introduction to woodcarving tools. Working safely and how to sharpen and maintain tools.

Materials Required:

Prepared Carving Blocks of appropriate wood will be supplied. However, students can bring their own materials following discussion with tutor.

Practical clothing (jeans) and appropriate footwear. (Not sandals or canvas trainers)

Previous Experience:

Suitable for complete beginners who have never considered carving in wood either as an activity or creative pastime.

End of course:

What will I achieve? You will learn about the basic principles of relief woodcarving and how to use carving tools safely. Which woods are best to carve and how to transfer designs/drawings onto wood together with ideas for finishing and protecting your work.

You will have a good resource of reference materials including suggested learning videos, books and suppliers. Suggestions for a beginner’s tool kit and how to continue woodcarving.

Suggestions as to how to join a community of carvers and share ideas and work on-line.