STONE CARVING MADE A RETURN TO THE PHOENIX LAST YEAR WHEN WE WELCOMED MARK
STONESTREET TO COME TEACH US THE JOYS OF CREATING FREE-STANDING ABSTRACT
SCULPTURE. IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC COURSE!
This year Mark is coming back for more and this time we’re giving the students
more stone to create with and more time – 5 days to be precise! The dusty nature
of stone means that we will be working under a marquee set within the studio’s
beautiful meadow – what better way to spend your summer – especially when none
of us can go abroad?
Outside of a global pandemic, Mark spends half the year creating sculpture in
the South Downs and the other half in Mamallapuram in India – a village of over
200 stone carving workshops. His life is in stone and I liked him the instant we
met. He is everything you would expect a stone carver to be – sturdy, weathered
(meant in the nicest possible way, I promise Mark!) with a warm, no-nonsense
personality that immediately puts you at ease. Our students are in safe hands
working with him and I cannot wait to see what they will achieve this year!
23/08/2021 - 27/08/2021 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: The Phoenix Studio
This fun course includes:
* Informal, relaxed & attentive guidance for every student, provided by Mark
Stonestreet
* Step-by-step demonstrations covering…
* * How to work with the tools and stone safely,
* How to create an abstract design that will look good and have structural
integrity,
* How to transfer your design to the stone and carve into it efficiently to
create the basic shape,
* How to add detail and refine the carved form,
* How to finish and present the form (looking at finishes, treatment, and
mounting).
This course is for you if:
* You want to realise drawings and 2D designs into 3D or have an introduction
to visualizing your ideas in 3D
* You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your
own
* You want to learn how to work safely and competently in stone
* You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative
environment
Suitable for?
Anyone, but please note that you will be using a chisel and mallet throughout
the three days and this will take it’s toll on your arms and body.
We generally limit the age to 16 years old+ though exceptions can be made where
appropriate. Please contact James Orts and ask.
What is included in the price?
* Five full days tuition (10 am-4.30 pm)
* Materials, including a piece of Portland stone (approximately 55cm x 25cm x
22cm), safety gear, and the tools you will need for when on the course
* You could consider making a simple printed course handout outlining the
technique’s main principles and useful links/suppliers – Totally your choice
though!
* Tea, coffee, biscuits/cakes
* Use of a beautiful, purpose-built art studio with all the equipment &
materials you will need
* Beautiful countryside setting
Pre-course prep
It would be useful to gather, sketch out or think about what abstract shapes you
are drawn to. Mark will be able to provide ideas as well and advise you on which
of your ideas may work best so having some ideas to work from would be useful.
You will be working outdoors so come prepared for the forecasted weather and all
students must work in sturdy shoes.
You will be sent an automated email on booking which prompts you towards
documents that help you prepare for your time here. If this does not happen then
please email James before the course.
Beyond The Course
Having completed a Phoenix Studio course many of our students choose to explore
the medium further. They may come on another weekend course, start coming to
our Phoenix Art Club Sessions
[https://www.phoenixstudio.co.uk/phoenix-art-club-zoom-sessions/] or
our Creative Monday Sessions
[https://www.phoenixstudio.co.uk/creative-mondays/], or carry on independently
at home. We are more than happy to help and advise you in taking those first
creative steps!
Need accommodation?
If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for
your visit then have a look at our recommend B&Bs and hotels. Click here for
the list. [https://www.phoenixstudio.co.uk/what-we-offer/where-to-stay/]