John your tutor has over 40yrs experience as a sculptor and stonemason. Tutoring stone carving workshops for adults and children in England and France.
The Workshops are set up for those wanting to take the time, to situate, learn and find pleasure in discovering ways of expression through stone carving.
Providing starting points, encouraging the development of ideas, knowledge, skills, visual awareness and creative potential.
They are based in Dorset. A region re-known for its beauty and cultural legacy. The workshops are open to complete beginners wishing to try stone carving for the first time. As well as for those with a little experience artistically or manually who would like to push their knowledge and limits further.
If
Stone Carving for Beginners at Glenthorne Weymouth
2024
July,20,21,27,28. August,3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25.
10.00-4.30. One Day £90
Glenthorne. 15, Old Castle Road. Weymouth. Dorset. DT4 8QB
Spend a day carving Portland Stone in this beautiful venue overlooking Portland Harbour.
- My stone carving courses will give you the opportunity to sculpt a small relief of your own design ( or by using one of my templates ) on a piece of Portland Stone.
- The course is suitable for ages 12+
- Tools and materials are supplied as well as protective safety glasses.
- Appropriate clothing to be worn (i.e. enclosed shoes)
- The stones vary in size but to give you a rough idea here are some sizes. 22 x 20 cms, 18 x 22 cms.
- If you decide to use your own design please bring images/drawings of different sizes. ( Keep it simple, to begin with.)
- To
e nsure the quality of the Workshops, classes are limited to eight participants. - We will be having a break so do bring some lunch. ( Please bring your own refreshments to limit contact.)
- Best to park on the main road as places are limited.
- E-mail me for up to date availability. johndavey61@live.com
Examples of My Templates
Students Stone Carvings from their own Designs.
“Carving is easy, you just cut down to the skin and stop”.
Michaelangelo
John’s carvings are so beautiful and tactile, I spent a wonderful two hours with John at one of his workshops and was most impressed with the carving I did, so much so had I not been away this weekend I would have returned for another work shop.
What a great experience! First time in years being creative for me and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. John is a first class tutor, I can highly recommend his carving workshop!
I had never done anything like this before (I may be a scientist and psychologist, definitely NOT an artist) but I loved my Taster Workshop and being able to discover the curled up cat sleeping a few mm below the surface of a beautiful piece of Portland stone: a revelation to passers-by viewers and a miracle to me! John is a great teacher! Thank you! …. and I shall come back next birthday if I may ….
I have thoroughly enjoyed a gorgeous day of stone carving under the superb tuition of John Davey. This is an activity I had never previously experienced and by the end of the workshop for beginners I had learned a huge amount, such that I am very much encouraged to develop this interest further. John’s guidance is truly excellent, with his experience and background as sculptor inspirational. As a bonus, being able to chip away outside on a sunny day with magnificent views of the sea and Portland was a delight and a reminder of the origins of the stone we were working with.
I wholeheartedly recommend John’s Stone Carving for Beginners courses without reservation.
My wife and I recently had the pleasure to attend one of John’s courses for beginners at Corfe Castle. We were both absolute beginners but were amazed at what we achieved with John’s guidance and advice. The time absolutely flew by and we both learnt so much. I would thoroughly recommend this experience, John is an excellent instructor and both intend to continue with our new found interest
Attended a workshop with John on 2nd August. What a Fantastic day it was. The venue is very picturesque with views over the sea near Portland and a beautiful beach nearby. Despite being daunted at the beginning, John put me/us at ease and encouraged all along the process. There were eight of us and we were all overjoyed with what we produced with John’s expert advice. Such a therapeutic process too. I can’t wait to have another go at producing a stone carved piece. I would highly recommend this course for a great fun and productive day. Thank you John, Loved it all.
We loved being part of your workshop on 30/08/2020. Great setting, great teacher and overall brilliant day. We love our carvings and are so pleased with the work we completed during this workshop. We would definitely recommend this day for anyone who wants to do something different and you get to take home your own artwork. Thank you John.
Did a workshop with John, what a lovely day! John was very patient and knowledgeable. All tools and stone supplied. I’m amazed at the stone carving I produced!! I found it to be therapeutic with the potential of becoming addictive! The location is amazing – looking out to sea. Thanks again John.
Thanks Susan for your kind words. Had a great time myself. Fantastic group dynamic. Bravo.
Such a great day learning a new skill and creating art in Portland stone. John offers professional and friendly guidance, support and encouragement in teaching the many tools and techniques in stone carving. I now have a new centrepiece for my mantle and would recommend this experience 100%!
My wife and I had a fantastic day. John was helpful, patient and encouraging with all seven of us first time ‘stone carvers’. We were all pleased and delighted with our results.
I am currently trying to decide where is the best place in our garden to show off these wonderful pieces of sculpture..
I didn’t know about these workshops. If you could let me know next summer when they are, as I’d be interested.
Will do Julia. I will be having a few other workshops in other locations before if you are interested. Regards John.
Thanks for your expert tuition through the day. Starting from nothing, we both learnt a lot and were really pleased & surprised at what we managed to achieve! Really enjoyable. Regards,Gail & Clive
Hi Gail ,Clive you both did brilliantly. Great sculptures. Will send you the photos. If ever you want to have another go feel free to get in touch. John.