Introduction to carving in wood
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VU102
- Dates: 03/11/24 - 08/12/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Belinda Edwards
Course Code: VU102
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Explore wood carving from initial ideas and develop a design, through to learning carving techniques and creating a sculpture in wood. Those with no sculptural experience will be led through the process stage by stage. Those with more experience will be encouraged to stretch their ideas, reflect on how to improve their designs and given the opportunity to try more experimental techniques.
What will we cover?
The initial part of the course will focus on understanding the characteristics of wood as a material and awareness of tool techniques. We will make small maquettes (small models), in clay, before embarking on a piece in wood. These techniques will be taught and explored as your carving progresses. We will be looking at the work of other sculptors, both historical and contemporary.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop ideas for carving through making maquettes.
- Have an understanding of basic carving principles and techniques.
- Develop awareness of wood sculpture, both historical and contemporary.
- Know how to source and maintain tools.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For all abilities, including beginners to sculpture.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstration and practical activities, group discussion and individual tuition.
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.
Wood
Lime:
Prices start from £6 (10cm x 10cm x 10cm)
Basic tools and equipment are provided.
You must wear sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot (no open toe). Please also wear old working clothes 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 similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you to build your own individual sculpture practice.
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 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm.
Belinda Edwards holds a degree and diploma from Central School of Art and Design, and a teaching certificate from Roehampton Institute. She has been an artist in residence and lecturer with various schools, community groups and colleges in London and has been teaching sculpture at City Lit and elsewhere since 1987. Belinda’s work has been exhibited at many galleries including The Royal Academy. This gives her a deep understanding of the importance of correct technique for accurate and effective carving, whatever the material. As part of developing her understanding of materials even further she worked for a while as a casting technician for a gallery specialising in fine art antiques casting and conserving. These skills, combined with her Fine Arts background enables her to help students to develop their own interests and projects, from first idea through sketches, maquettes, choice of material and tools, to finished sculpture. Belinda’s outstanding qualities as a tutor, are her practical understanding of the challenges faced by individual students, and her skill at enabling them both to formulate ideas and then achieve their goals.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.