Wood Carving

The wood was used since the beginning of mankind for various reasons, either decorative or functional purposes, starting from moveable objects furniture, ornaments, or representative figures to steady structural elements in construction.

Wood might vary in colour, grain and density, allowing different kinds of finishes using both hand tools and power ones.

This class is designed for beginners and intermediate students. It will give you an idea about basic (fundamentals) notions in wood carving, particularly in direct carving.

Materials and tools must be brought in by the student:

• Paper (sketchbook): size A3
• Apron (hard cotton or resistant material)
• Gym or gardening gloves (not rubber neither vinyl)
• mask
• Safety googles (comfortable)
• 1 pc. 2” hard brush (for cleaning), 1pc. acrylic brush for stain)
• bath towel (cushion for the carved piece)

Materials and tools included in the course fee:

• wooden mallet
• set of wood carving chisels (six pieces maximum) – any request above this will be charged
• rasp (1pc.)
• solid wood piece 30 X 40 X 5 cm any other dimensions available by request and additional charge
• wood stain (1kind)

Safety:  Sandals or slippers are not allowed in the class, as well as thin clothing.

General advice:

• Contact the instructor beforehand the session starts, do not pop in without notice or discussion.
• It is advisable to come with a scale model as an alternative soft material will be made at a scale 1/1, the same will be transposed in wood and follow.
• As a prerequisite, and for confidence, it is good to have clay modeling experience, but not mandatory.
• There are tools that might be temporary lend by the student during the class and return it in good condition by the end of it.

The class covers the following major points:

• Discussion of wood types and properties, selection of the material.
• Selection and design of carving/ sculpture; beginners are strongly encouraged to work towards the abstract shape or pattern.
• Discussion of the issues that wood presents to the artist. Natural flaws, inclusions, density, and hardness changes, and even color changes can (and should) be considered by the artist as the sculpture progresses.
• Initial shaping of your wood with mallet & chisel, and other hand tools. This will include instruction in the proper use and maintenance of the tools to achieve the desired results.
• Final shaping of wood carving with rasps (called rifflers by the pros for some unknown reason) and other “file-like” objects. Again, instruction in the tools is provided.
• Polishing with dry sandpaper and stain. Discussion of additional polishing techniques may be presented as well.