Chris Pye
I teach fundamental woodcarving skills that are transferrable between projects; and that intelligent practice will make the most of whatever talent students have.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?Essential carving techniques and disciplines; a sense of confidence through de-mystifying the process.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Demonstrations and personal support.
What inspires your own work?A sense of always learning and being on a never-ending journey in the craft.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website.
Where did you gain your training/experience?On my website.
What teaching experience have you had?I first taught carving at Trowbridge Technical College in 1978 and have taught adults since then.
Is your work in any public or private collections?I only work to commission so all my work is in such places, mostly private: clients include HRH The Prince of Wales. Public: SS Great Britain, Hereford Cathedral for example.
Have you written any books/had articles published?Woodcarving Tools, Materials, and Equipment (1994; 2002)
Carving on Turning (1995), Lettercarving in Wood (1997)
Relief Carving – A Practical Introduction (1998)
Elements of Woodcarving (2000)
Woodcarving projects and Techniques (2007)
I have written regularly for Woodcarving (UK) since its inception in 1992 and for Woodcarving Illustrated (USA) since 2006.
Master Carvers Association.