10 Day Summer Symposium Marble Carving

Here's what we 'll do

Join us for an immersive 10-day workshop that will introduce you to the timeless art of marble carving using traditional techniques and ancient hand tools. In the spirit of a symposium where artists come together for a period of time work side by side, eat together, collaborate together and share the journey together. It's an opportunity to make connections that may last a lifetime! This workshop is designed for those looking to connect with the craft on a deeper level, learning the methods that have shaped classical sculpture for centuries. Over the course of the workshop, participants will: Familiarize themselves with essential carving tools: You'll begin by getting hands-on with a variety of traditional tools including chisels, hammers, rasps and sanding papers. Learn how to properly handle each tool, from fine detailing to rough shaping. Understanding your relationship with the marble: You'll explore the properties of the marble and how to communicate with this unique stone. This knowledge will guide you in developing a sensitivity to the material’s characteristics, from its grain to its natural imperfections. Practice on a practice block: Before tackling any major project, participants will work with practice blocks to get comfortable with the motions and techniques. You'll experiment with different methods of roughing out, detailing, and smoothing to develop your skills. Executing your project: From conception to transformation of the block. Begin with initial sketches or clay models, and follow a detailed, step-by-step roadmap from the roughing-out phase through each stage of refinement. We will be there every step of the way! By the end of the workshop, you will have developed a solid foundation in traditional marble carving, with a clear understanding of how to use archaic hand tools as well as some power tools to shape stone into intricate works of art. Whether you're a beginner or experienced carver looking to deepen your skills, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn from the old masters while forging your own path in the art of marble sculpture. What is included: Block of marble specified to your dimensions pre-ordered ahead of time. Work table, tools, rasps, sanding papers, angle grinder, grinding stones, safety glasses. Snacks, juice, coffee, break for light lunch at 2 PM. Salads, local samplings. Option to work independently from 4-7 PM Private guided tour day trip (transportation provided) to Ancient quarries,