SYLLABUS
DESCRIPTION and PURPOSE OF CLASS
Learn the essential processes of sculpting with traditional materials. Whether you are a novice or a master, your specific goals and needs will be the emphasis of this class. At the end of the quarter, you should have a working knowledge of the tools and methods involved in carving and finishing a sculpture in either stone or wood. For new students, the focus of this class is the use of hand tools, though power tool methods will be addressed. Supplemental information sheets covering all aspects of the methods and materials used for carving will be provided. Students supply their own work gloves and safety glasses and some other supplies to be discussed during the first sessions. The instructor will also provide limited amounts of carving stone, though wood will need to be obtained by the student.
SCHEDULE
The schedule of classes will be for eight weeks, three hours per week. Though the class will consist of discussion and critique during hands-on work with the material, there will be technical handouts given out during many of the classes for additional information. Approximately ten minutes at the end of each class will be devoted to cleaning-up the tools and studio.
It is neither the intent nor purpose of this class to instruct a single student in carving techniques for BOTH stone and wood -- there is simply not enough class time available to make that a practical approach. Of course, if the student is willing to spend time outside of the scheduled class sessions (note the sculpture facilities ARE NOT available outside of the regularly scheduled class hours), then the instructor will be happy to help with dual material/process interests.
The specific activities (technical material and projects covered) during each scheduled class shall vary depending upon the scheduling of live models, and — most importantly — upon the stated needs/desires of the students enrolled in the class during a particular quarter. There will be no set class projects or firm structure to the classes, but rather an encouragement for each student to explore those specific areas of the process that interest them, with the instructor addressing specific technical, conceptual, and aesthetic issues for each student's specific work as needed.
Generally however, the first couple of class sessions will introduce the materials, discussing the basic technical and conceptual approaches to working in a subtractive medium (with illustration by demos and examples), and going over safety concerns, introducing the basic methods and tools, and proper methods of working. This will include the sharpening and care of the tools, and (for those that are interested) the custom making of handtools.
By the end of the eight weeks the student will have time to finish a modest-size carving (average size block 30 lbs. for stone) if the design is relatively simple and stylized. Note that very tight, naturalistic designs will require at least as much working time on the carving outside of the scheduled class sessions to achieve completion by the conclusion of the course.
Methods of properly mounting and presenting the finished carving, as well as various methods of finishing techniques will be discussed with demos or examples if time and state of the student's work permits.
SUPPLIES and MATERIALS
Provided will be a block of carving stone (limestone, alabaster, or soapstone recommended for beginners) and some of the studio equipment for the class. The instructor will provide a variety of tools for use in the classroom, so -- except for personal safety gear -- no further tool purchases are necessary for the duration of the carving aspects of the class. Because the finishing of the carvings will vary from student to student, abrasive finishing supplies will be the responsibility of the individual student.
