Stone Carving Class Information

I teach stone carving with Sue Toorans through a local arts organization. We've been doing this since the fall of 1998, so it's been a while now. Here is some more specific information, followed by a course over view and a materials list:

What:	Stone Carving Class
Instructors:	Jeff Powell and Sue Toorans
Sponsor:	The Pacific Art League of Palo Alto 650-321-3891
Where:	Palo Alto, California
When:	Tuesday nights, from 7:30 - 10:00 pm. Classes run quarterly, roughly starting in January, April, July, and September. Fall, Winter, and Spring, quarters are 12 weeks long . Summer quarter is 8 or 9 weeks. Registration starts a few weeks before the new quarter begins. Contact the Art League for details, dates, and to get a course catalog. *Note: this class generally fills up early and enrollment is very limited. Many students take the class repeatedly, so space is at a premium.*
Cost:	Varies each quarter. League members pay a bit less than non-members. Last time I checked, the cost was about $200 or so for a 12 week session, but please see the League's course listing for the current prices. They are entirely out of my hands, and change without my noting it.

Course Overview

The class introduces students to the process of carving stone with hand tools. Beginners start with alabaster or soapstone -- both fairly soft stones that can be easily carved. The instructors provide tools for beginners to use during the class and assist throughout the process. More advanced students are always welcome to take the class too. It provides a regular scheduled opportunity to work, get feedback from other artists, and a chance to both learn and share the knowledge you've acquired.

The class is very informal. The first session involves about 1 hour of lecture on tools, tool use & care, and shaping techniques. Students pick a stone from those available from the instructors (about $1.00 per pound) and begin working. Several sessions of shaping work follow. As students approach the start of polishing, a brief demonstration of polishing technique is given to aid in the process and then students are turned loose again. The instructors work 1-on-1 with students during the class for some portion of the time, and also spend some time working on their own sculptures as well. (Many students appreciate this work as it allows for easy demonstrations as things come up, and also shows students how the instructors "really" work.)

The class covers the following major points, though not necessarily in the order presented here.

Discussion of stone types and properties. Selection of a stone. Beginners will get their first stone from the instructors. It will usually weigh somewhere in the 8 - 20 pound range and is intended be something that can be completed in a 12 week class, working only one night a week.
Selection and design of your sculpture. Beginners are strongly encouraged to work in the abstract to avoid several problems. (Figurative work is fine -- and even encouraged -- once you have the basics down.) As class progresses, students discuss their sculpture with the instructors and each other, gaining insight into the success of their efforts and potentially adjusting their plans if needed.
Discussion of the issues that stone presents to the artist. Natural flaws, inclusions, density and hardness changes, and even color changes can (and should) be taken into account by the artist as the sculpture progresses.
Initial shaping of your stone with hammer & 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 your stone 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 wet-dry sandpaper and waxing. Discussion of additional polishing techniques may be presented as well.
Power tools are discussed for those that want to work on substantially larger or harder stones. Power tools are not used in the class for various reasons, but the interested student will learn enough here to allow them to purchase those tools and use them in their personal studio if so desired.

During a normal 12 week session you will probably spend 4-6 weeks shaping your stone, 2-3 weeks polishing it, and one more session waxing it. However, these are just estimates and may not apply to any given student. Some students complete their first stone in 3 or 4 weeks if they work at home. Others may take longer than 12 weeks just to get the stone shaped. The instructors will work with you individually as needed to guide you towards completion.

Materials List

Things to Bring to Class:

Your Stone. First time students will get their stone from the instructors for about $1 per pound. You'll be taking your stone home each session, and you're welcome to work on it there if you have tools.
Safety Glasses or Goggles. You may be using a hammer and chisel which throws small chips of stone. Even if you're not, the person next to you could be. If you wear glasses anyway, you're probably fine. If you'd rather wear goggles, that would be fine to, but be aware that they fog up regularly. I personally think they're more trouble than they are worth and wear safety glasses instead.
Dust Mask. Some processes throw more dust than others, but no one needs to breath rock dust for 2+ hours a week. If you don't own any masks, don't worry. The instructors have dust masks available for $0.75 each that you can purchase.
Large Bath Towel. This is a part of the cushion you're going to use to protect your stone from the table, and to collect the bulk of the dust and chips you create. During the class this towel will get really filthy (and sopping wet while polishing), so don't bring a family heirloom.
Cheap Work Gloves. Many of the files you will use are toothed on both ends. That means you may want gloves to protect your palm. A cheap pair of yard gloves is a good investment. Don't get anything nice, since file teeth will tear them up.
A Plastic Bag. Needed only when you're polishing. Your stone and towel will be soaking wet at the end of class and you'll want to get them home without staining your car seats. Bring a bag big enough to hold your stone wrapped in your towel. For first timers, a plastic grocery bad is probably plenty big.
A Margarine Tub. Needed only when you're polishing. This is how you keep water at the table when you're working. This is not something you'll be storing leftovers in once class is over.

Other Things to Bring if You Have Them:

These are not required -- particularly for new students -- but people working on more advanced projects should bring them to class:

Stone Carving Tools. The instructors provide a selection of tools for beginners. If you're on your second or later class, or if you're just in love with the media, you'll want to get and bring your own tools. Ask the instructors for advice on what to buy and where to buy it. Many people find stone carving a wonderful excuse to buy new tools.
Sand Bags Filled with Kitty Litter. These are really useful at times to hold a project in various positions. Bring them along if you can. We have some, but we can always use more.
Large plastic tub, dishpan, or saucer for a planter. When you're polishing, this is even better than the above mentioned margarine tub. it lets you have more water available, and to keep your stone in the water while you're sanding it.

Other Things to Know:

Dress in Layers. Sometimes you'll be working harder than others, and those times you'll be warm. Sometimes you'll be sitting and thinking -- and you'll get cool. Depending on the time of year and the studio, the temperature can be problematic too.
Dress to Get Dirty. You're entering a messy world. Dust and slop are part of the process, so wear clothes you won't mind getting really filthy. In fact, plan on getting really filthy.
Ask Questions. Your instructors will spend some time in the class wandering around and talking things over with you. But they'll also do some work of their own -- many students have told us they appreciate the chance to see someone else do some work too. If you have a question and the instructor is nose down into something, ask! Yell even! That's what we're here for, and there's no such thing as a dumb question... except the one that goes unasked.
Our class tends to be a very social affair, with lots of conversation going on around (and over) the hammering and filing. Quiet types are more than welcome, but you can bet that the entire class will be trying to get you to open up. That's just the way things have worked out. Carving is not a quiet activity anyway in most cases, so we just go with it and make more noise too.
Have Fun! That's what we're here for!

You're welcome to contact me with questions about the class, materials, or other related items.

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