Sculptural Bowl Carving

Workshop Description

In this workshop we will carve a bowl straight from a log using both power carving and hand tools. We will rough shape both the hollow and exterior of the bowl with power carving tools, and refine the shape with a variety of hand tools. Variations on tools, techniques, and approaches will be discussed, as well as exploration into some fancy feet. Heavy emphasis on questions and open conversation about process is encouraged. All levels of experience welcome. 

Tools will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own tools. Please label them with your name before class, and be mindful that we will not be designating time for significant rehabbing of tools.

Note: My book, The Handcarved Bowl, covers a hand-tool specific approach to bowl carving. The techniques and tools in the book are still very relevant to the process we will cover in this workshop, but they may not all be covered in class.

You Will Learn:

• Basic Wood Properties – Wood and its relationship to moisture and drying, how to store wood for later use, control cracks, and how to welcome them and incorporate them into your design

• How to break down a log  – Where to cut, how to visualize your bowl within the log, when and where to embrace natural flaws and when to avoid them

• Design & Layout – How to use basic tools to form simple shapes, and how best to utilize the material for particular designs

• Safety – How not just to protect yourself while carving, but long-term practices and habits that will help keep you carving

• Tools and techniques – How and why tools work for specific cutting operations, when to switch tools, limitations of tools, how to use your body to maximize their efficiency 

• Sharpening – Though curved blades may seem intimidating, we’ll cover the basics of sharpening that will make any blade much more approachable.

• Finishing and Decoration – A discussion on finishing oil and paint. Demonstration and explorations on chip carving, pattern and texture

All lunches are provided at Pine Croft.