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EventsATLANTIC MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION 2010 Fall Workshop – Stone Carving with Heather Lawson The workshop took place the third weekend in November after delays caused by the slow shipment of the tools needed for a large group. Even though they were Heather is an exceptional instructor, as evidenced by the success we all shared when we reviewed our work at the end of the day. We were instructed in safe work practices, and learned how to protect ourselves from the possible effects of working with stone. She provided us with a range of freshly sharpened chisels and stone carver’s mallets of various weights. It was a unique experience that we will all experience again – every time we look at our own work in the garden. The ‘tap tap’ of chisel on stone created its own kind of music – especially when there were thirteen players in the group!
Some of the participants took the idea of stone carving literally and worked to create a true three dimensional sculpture! When it came time to clean up and go home, we each took one or two pieces of stone with us for the next project. With the winter to think about it and study our pieces of stone, who knows what will be created come spring? One thing we do know is what we want for Christmas – stone carving chisels and a mallet! |
Past Events:
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ordered from a Canadian company, they had to make a tedious journey from England! It was a cold but clear weekend. Working in a greenhouse has its benefits – between the sun and the heaters we had a great experience! We completed three pieces each by the time the two days were over, and some managed an additional one. We went away with a stone bowl, a wall plaque, and a small standing stone.
Do I need to say that carving a bowl out of solid stone is no easy task? It took the better part of a day to achieve it. The results were worth the effort! Heather coached us as to which tool would be most effective for each stage of the process, and how to use the specialized tools to create a finish on your work. We learned how to ‘communicate with the stone’ to achieve the best results. As a gardener, it was a fascinating look at the world of stone, and we all went away with a real appreciation for the geological processes that create it and how it responds to the forces of the climate after that. We worked with local sandstone, but had an opportunity to try limestone and other types as well.
The results at the end of Day One – we were amazed! Every one of us found something different in the stone, and we were thrilled at what emerged!
