During this lively two-day workshop you’ll be guided to produce your own limestone sculpture based on ideas developed from drawings, clay sketches, or a study. Learn to visualise the sculpture within the block and then bring it to life whilst learning about the tools and methods of carving. You’ll also develop your sense of sculptural language. The physical and energetic nature of the carving process means that this workshop is bound to be both challenging and fun for participants. The workshop caters to all levels of artistic experience – from beginners wanting to try something new, to proficient artists.

Day one of the workshop will start with a discussion about the carving process and possible project ideas. Keep in mind that given the time restraints, it will be best to create something fairly simple, so you get the most out of the course. Damien will help those who need it to find a starting point for their work. Once a project or path has been decided upon you will spend some time putting your plan onto paper, to better clarify the idea. You’ll then make a small clay maquette to gain a better sense of the form, which may then be altered as you progress on the stone, in order to help you find your way forward. When the maquette has been realised to a sufficient level you may transfer the drawing of it onto the half block of stone and begin roughing it out. During the afternoon, you’ll then continue removing the gross mass that doesn’t belong to your design and start to see the simple form of the sculpture emerge.

Day two will see the development of the sculpture in more detail, with proportional adjustments made to the overall form where required. You’ll look more closely at the relationship of forms and the composition – again making adjustments to improve the overall form whilst leaving room to further tweak your sculpture. In the afternoon you will work to complete your sculpture, or at least bring a sense of completion, exploring refining methods, and discussing surface textures. The day will finish off with a short review of the workshop’s learnings.

Over the course of two days, participants will progress at different rates depending on their temperament and level of experience, so it’s important to just enjoy the process and focus on learning new skills and ways of seeing. Damien will spend time emphasising the visual language of sculpture (the “what”), whilst teaching you a range of carving methods (the “how) to complement the exploration of the three dimensional composition.

The workshop offers the ultimate art and wine experience. By building a range of other cultural delights into the workshop, Rosby aspires to offer you a truly holistic experience. This includes country style lunches set against an utterly breathtaking backdrop and an exclusive vigneron-led wine tasting.

The workshop caters to all levels of artistic experience, from beginners wanting to try their hand at something new and have a bit of a fun, to proficient artists. Come alone or bring a few friends, everyone is welcome here at Rosby.

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st May 2023 :: 9.30am-4.00pm each day