Anyone who has ever seen carvings or statues in churches or museums and wondered what it would be like to work with this beautiful natural material will have the opportunity to take an Introduction to Stone Carving Workshop in Tracton this summer.
Facilitator Tommy Lysaght will be offering weekend workshops to small groups, where participants will be guided through the full process of selecting an appropriate stone, creating and transferring a design, and learning basic carving techniques.
Traditional methods and tools will be explored while getting to know a small group of fellow-carvers in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, with the satisfaction of learning a new skill and creating a piece to take home.
Tommy has been involved with stone for over 20 years, originally working in dry stone construction and restoration.
He now works in education, facilitating stone carving and organic horticulture courses for a wide range of groups, including young people, adult education, the Simon Community, Headway, and the Cork Life Centre, and Cork ETB.
“I am constantly inspired by seeing people overcome their fear of working in such a daunting medium, to the realisation of their ideas in a beautiful natural material. I really believe that carving is for everyone, regardless of our age, ability, or background. Stone carving is probably one of the earliest human art forms and is part of our cultural heritage, from ogham stones to Newgrange, to church art. It’s an approach that gives us the ability to leave our mark in a gentle and considered way.”
All tools and materials will be provided, along with a selection of stone to work with.
Depending on the vision for their piece, participants may complete a bas relief, or a more abstract sculptural piece, or will be advised on the completion of more ambitious pieces at home.
The workshops are suitable for beginners and improvers.
The workshops will be held at the beautiful Tracton Arts Centre in Minane Bridge, an ideal learning environment providing excellent facilities and a covered space to work outdoors. Tracton Arts is just over half an hour from Cork city, 10 minutes from Carrigaline and 15 minutes from Kinsale.
There is a choice of two weekends, running from Friday evening on 14th August to Sunday 16th August, or the evening of Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August.
The cost for the weekend, including all tools, materials, and a light lunch is €200, with a €10 booking fee if booked online.
For more information about the weekends, please contact Tommy at 0872683762.
Bookings can be made online at Eventbrite.ie.
Weekend 1: 14th - 16th August https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/introduction-to-stone-carving-14-16-august-2020-tickets-113603860204 Weekend 2: 21st - 23rd August https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/introduction-to-stone-carving-21st-23rd-august-2020-tickets-113604512154