Workshops are typically for three days. The properties of the medium naturally sets the stages.
- Day 1 - We meet and have introductions. I give a short presentation of the medium and what to expect of the process. I suggest that everyone makes a small vertical planter or sculpture. This will be 12in. to 13in. high by 10in. to 11in. diameter. Vertical pieces work best because the material falls away while carving, as opposed to something flat which is more troublesome. If the sand is wet it needs to be dried. Sand is sifted through window screen. We prep our space with a cylindrical sheet metal form on a turntable. With a hoe and mortar box we dry mix our sand and cement together and set it aside in 5 gal. buckets. Slides of my work could be shown at this time.
- Day 2 - The very active day. First off we hand mix our sand/cement with water and put it into the form. Setting time is typically 3 to 4 hours depending on temperature. I supply a precut set of eight blank tools for $25 made from band saw blades. These basic tools are the most functional and would be difficult for someone to source if they wanted to pursue carving after the class is over. During this waiting period the students finish and shape their tools on a bench grinder which is the only power tool needed during the class. If slides were not shown the dat before they are shown at this time and I talk about carving technique. Lunch.
When the concrete has set sufficiently the form is removed and cleaned. Carving begins. For the duration the concrete goes through continuous stages of curing and workability. Everyone has ample time to complete a piece before it becomes unworkable. Maximum working time is 8 hrs. depending on temperature and stamina. Typically there is some trepidation for about twenty or so minutes when the students initially begin carving and a number of innocent, stalling questions. My repeated mantra is “Go for it, just go for it. Tick, tick, tick…” Then suddenly it gets real quiet as everyone becomes engrossed in the process. During the session I direct the carvers to complete certain stages before successive steps are undertaken. Near the end I encourage everyone to continue refining the surface and point out areas that could still use work. Most times when people feel that they are done and are physically wiped out they are disappointed to find that they still have an hour or so left to obtain the best in the piece. There is no second opportunity. Generally this is only appreciated the next day. Done, do not touch, walk away, no clean up.
- Day 3 - The casual day. We remove the piece from the workstation, trim the foot and sign the bottom. The piece is then vigorously hosed off to remove loose grains and either submerged in water or periodically squirted. The piece is finished. We clean our stations.
For a longer workshop materials for another piece, possibly a little larger and more ambitious can be prepped. Sketching a design or making a small model with modeling clay would be suggested. It would be interesting for me to see students make the second piece because numerous times after they have finished their first, they step back and say, “Now I know what I want to make.”
- Day 4 - The same as day 2 and depending on the individual’s needs the mixing and carving times can be staggered.
- Day 5 - Final finishing. Clean up and critique. Packing up pieces for transport.
Materials: Portland cement, sand (the type of sand is the most important part of the procedure), plastic mortar boxes, hoes, trowels, hose and nozzle, dust masks. I have eight turntables, and eight sheet metal forms, window screen sifter. My personal selection of specialty tools to share. Optional set of 8 blank tools to finish and keep $25.
|
|