Workshops | Karen Hansen

2017 COURSE DATES

Should you be interested in learning how to carve and spend a few days working on you own pole project then please get in touch. I don’t set dates for the year but try and fit teaching days in alongside my commission work.The course details and costs are still as described below.I am happy to discuss any custom made course options or individual or group sessions.Hope to see you and your friends and family in 2017.

Best wishes

Karen

Please see details below.

TOTEM POLE CARVING IN DORSET

“Totem poles are associated with the Native americans living in the richly forested environment of the Pacific Northwest coast of the Americas. They were a civilization with an elaborate social and ceremonial structure and with traditions going back to the beginning of time. These peoples understanding of the connections between all living things and their dependence on certain animal and plant species fostered beliefs in the super natural and the spirit world and by telling their stories through dancing, singing and visual expression, they developed richly artistic traditions. “”The function of totem poles varied among the different peoples, but overall they were historical monuments, or documents of great meaning and value to the cultures that carved them. The poles displayed images that represented a people’s origin and lineages, their rights and privileges, their supernatural experiences, their exploits and achievements, their marriages and memorials.”

Karen Hansen

To walk with giants you first have to find your own way. We give you the opportunity to step out and experiment with your hands and minds to carve out your own mark in time – People from all corners of the earth have done so since first discovering tools and will do so long into the future. Expressing your connections to life you will be carving a personal story pole for celebration or in memory of anything that is important or fun.

COURSE DETAILS

We provide the materials sourced from local woodlands and all the tools you need. Courses will give experienced guidance to both beginners and improvers of most ages.
CARVING GREENWOOD MASKS AND GROTESQUES
Based on a brief introduction to the history and symbolism of masks and grotesques we will be working up your own design and set it out on a fresh green log.Working with gauges and the techniques involved in cutting low and deep relief in the half round, you will come away with a fantastic image telling the story of your imagination.
TOTEM CARVING
Exploring images and totems that have relevance to your life, history and environment you will be guided through drawing up your design ready for setting out on to your prepared Sweet Chestnut pole. We will work through the techniques involved in carving low and deep relief in the round and you will become familiar with the appropriate selection of tools for the job.The course is intended to be creative and enjoyable and whether you decide to do simple shapes, carve something from nature or a caricature of yourself – you will come away with an experience in 3D carving and a small pole, which could become a welcoming gesture to your visitor or a garden feature to inspire discussion.
TOTEM CARVING WITH TOOL CARE AND SHARPENING
The three day course will give you a chance to learn more about the appropriate tool care and sharpening techniques which will enable you to carry on carving in your own time. You are welcome to bring any carving tools you might have.
POLE CARVING FOR THE FAMILY
(Minimum age 11)This is your chance to create the family crest or celebration pole by working on a communal carving. You will draw and design the elements of your choosing and transfer the images onto a prepared pole. Depending on how many of you are working together we will either divide the pole into segments for later assembly or work the pole as a whole. You will be instructed in the use of gouges and shown the techniques of relief carving. We will finally make use of colour to emphasise the features in your story.
INTRODUCTORY DAYS
You will have the opportunity to carve an image of your choice on to a small block of wood. Bring your own ideas or take inspiration from a simple leaf or natural pattern. Wood, tools and refreshments provided.

COURSE DATES/FEES 2015

Totem carving
£180/2days

Totem carving with tool care and sharpening
£220/3days

Masks & Grotesques
£180/2days

* 3 day courses start at 2pm on the first day
All other days run from 9.30 – 17.00

Download & print the booking form to sign up

For more course details please contact Karen Hansen
Tel: 01935 83580

VENUE – TRULY HIDDEN DORSET

Working with wood in carving takes a little patience and perseverance and the intention is to give you a chance to have some serious fun in a relaxed setting. You will be spending your time in a sheltered spot in the lee of the Evershot hills, where we will be working in a lovely tucked away barn. We will provide a simple lunch for your enjoyment and stop for breaks around the fire – keeping the kettle warm.

Gift certificate
Gift certificates for the carving courses are available throughout the year and can be purchased for any amount you nominate. They make a greatly appreciated birthday or Christmas gift for someone – to have a go- and you might even be able to share the enjoyment of the end result.

Custom made courses
We are able to facilitate special requests for individuals or groups and happy to discuss any projects you would like to see happen.