Stone Carving a Celtic Knotwork

Suitable for adults and young people 16 years or over.

Stone Relief Carving: Create a striking design carved in Portland limestone using Celtic or simple Norse Knotwork as inspiration, working over six Tuesday evenings.

You’ll use hand tools to carve a multi layered relief pattern with overlapping shapes, patterns and textures. Prepared Celtic and Norse inspired ribbon patterns and designs will be provided. You are welcome to bring along your own Celtic design or sketch for a tablet of stone 20 x 20cm if you would like – Amanda will discuss the suitability of these and help you to ensure they are practical for carving. Please note this course does not include letter cutting.

• designing your relief
• using colour codes to mark out the overlaps in your design
• using a flat chisel to set out your design
• creating the illusion of depth and overlapping ribbons
• making textures with a claw chisel
• using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail.

This is a practical, hands-on class with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, suitable for beginners with an interest in art or anyone who enjoys working with their hands, as well as people with some experience of stone carving. You do not need any particular skills, simply the ability to hold tools in both hands- a chisel in one, and a dummy (stonemason’s hammer) in the other.

Materials & Costs (provided to the students)
Stone, tools, and safety equipment will be provided and are included in the cost. Materials (required by the students) Please bring an apron and wear old clothes and stout shoes which cover your toes and protect your feet.

Tutor
Amanda Randall is a sculptor who creates abstract stone carvings inspired by plants and fungi.