Course Description

This workshop will give students a crash course in the process of hand making custom sculpture tools. Whether your favorite tool has been discontinued, or you want a purpose built tool that suits your needs, this weekend workshop will cover the ins-and-outs of custom sculpture toolmaking. We will start with a comprehensive overview of the materials and techniques, and demonstrate the step-by-step process of creating both carved wooden tools and wire rake tools. We will utilize power tools for the sake of efficiency, but will demonstrate alternative techniques that each student can bring home and replicate without the need to buy specialized machinery. The workshop will be hands-on, with the instructors guiding the students through each step of the process. Each student will have an opportunity to create at least one wire tool and one wooden tool from scratch over the course of two days. Most materials will be provided.

Schedule

Day 1: Total- 4 Hours

• Short lecture on types of tools, sourcing materials, and general techniques of tool building
• Overview of power tools and safety protocols
• Step-by-step instructor demos of tool building
• Split into two groups
  • Group one focusing on wire tools first
  • Group two focusing on wooden tools first
• Hands-on guidance and instruction for each student as they build their first tools

Day 2 : Total- 4 Hours

• Groups switch to begin making second tool
• Instructor demo on finishing/maintenance techniques
• Model pose for an hour to give students an opportunity to try out their tools