Ref: SWE31600
The aim of this course is to introduce you to carving slate in relief. You will be given instruction on how this is to be achieved through to the finishing stages, plus the joys of hunting for and using reclaimed materials.
Slate is a fine grained metamorphic rock from an original shale type rock, composed of clay or volcanic ash. It has been used widely for roofing tile and, because of its thermal stability and chemical inertness, it was used for laboratory bench tops and billiard tables. Information will be provided on the geology and where slate is found. There are so many types and colours. There will be examples of natural slate and worked pieces to look at, plus lots of visual imagery to inspire you.
The slate you will be using was industrial waste found in a tidal river. It was pre-cut into batons and oblongs and discarded during the 19th century. Since then, it has been rounded into interesting shapes by tidal action. It is thicker than roof tiles and doesn’t cleave. The pieces are generally 2-4 cm thick.
The first evening session will be a practical one, with an introduction to the studio in the Sculpture Courtyard and health and safety instructions.
The first project will familiarise you with the tools needed to shape the slate and, with these, you will create patterns on a thin, stick like baton. If there is time that evening, you will also smooth and polish.
The next project, the next day:
First, you will choose your slate - some will polish black, others a shade of plum. Then, your chosen design will be drawn or traced onto the stone with a white pencil. A demonstration will be given on the techniques of hand carving the slate, chasing out the outline and removing the background, finer detail and texture, finishing with the smoothing and polishing when heated. The time taken will depend on size, complexity of design and ability, but you might be able to complete more than one.
The course is taught by group demonstrations and discussions, plus one-to-one tuition.
A display of work at the end of the course will be mounted in the workshop to celebrate the journey and the outcomes.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Paula Haughney,sculptor, stone-carver, maker and teacher studied at Portsmouth Polytechnic and Eastern Illinois university obtaining a BA and MA in Fine Art Sculpture. Stone carving came later, once found, she realised this was her chosen medium. Now having over 30 years experience and many monumental sculptures completed she has taught at all levels, exhibits regularly and is included in public collections worldwide.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more