Carving in wood

What is the course about?

This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your
previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other
wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.

What will we cover?

There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work.
You will be encouraged to make clay or plasticine models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your
carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the
use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures,
and appropriate oils and varnishes.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Produce a suitable design in clay.
- Handle carving tools competently and safely.
- Carve in wood from your own ideas.
- Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.
- Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to all levels, from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those
who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be group talks on issues concerning the whole class; otherwise teaching will be on an individual basis.
Students are encouraged to develop their own designs with advice from the tutor, for example, to sculpt a head, a
naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. You are also encouraged to bring sketchbooks with your own ideas for
discussion with the tutor.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

With advice from the tutor, you may choose a piece of wood from our stock. The prices will vary depending on the
type of wood and its size.

Lime:
Prices start from £6 (10cm x 10cm x 10cm)

Tools are provided by City Lit, although you may wish to buy rifflers (very small files) for reaching detail. If you wish
to buy a set of woodcarving tools for yourself, you will be advised of suppliers during the course.

You must wear flat sturdy shoes with a closed toe. Please also wear old working clothes that you do not mind getting messy or bring overalls.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course you may wish to join a course in a material or process you have tried before to develop your skills further, or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, wax, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting in Jesmonite, and much more! You may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you to build your own individual sculpture practice and culminates with an exhibition.

We are constantly adding new courses. Please ask your tutor for advice or browse the City Lit website for inspiration. It is also possible to contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk, or calling (telephone temporarily unavailable) Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm.