WOODCARVING COURSE

Making a Wood Sculpture

WITH KERSTIN THOMAS AND RENATO COSTA E SILVA

“Wood is a noble material, it’s alive - when we work with it, we should have this in mind doing something meaningful, add history (…)”.

Kerstin Thomas has worked as a professional wood sculptor since 1990 in her studio in Cerdeira Home For Creativity. This life experience has been the main inspiration for her work due to the integration of nature with its visual richness, the silence that allows it to reflect constantly about our world and society, and, of course, the history of the place and its inhabitants.

In her approach, figurative or abstract, she explores themes that express her vision and values as a human being. In her work, we always find carved wood associated with old and used materials like wood or iron, objects with their beauty and history to add.

Wood is a warm material, pleasant to work with, alive, and a direct connection to nature. As a raw material, it is a challenge with a need for special attention in the whole process, from drying to finishing. Working with wood is a continuous dialogue with the material, respecting its unique characteristics to achieve our desired result. To her vision of resource sustainability, Kerstin prefers to work with wood from fallen trees or leftovers from the sawmill.

In the Woodcarving Course, you’ll learn to handle hand tools like bundles and chisels to make your sculpture. We also introduce you to the work with chainsaws and power tools, proposing diverse carving techniques to give form to your final work.

With our support, each participant will design their own project, plan and choose the right raw materials and tools for each step of the process. If you already have a project in mind, let us know in advance so we can better support its creation.

woodcarving course details

WOODCARVING COURSE PROGRAM:

• Origin and characteristics of our raw material;

• Development, planning, and realization of your ideas;

• Selecting and preparing the right wood for your project;

• Reflection on aesthetic options; Composition

• Various techniques of sculpture, hand tools, chisel and mall, power tools, and construction;

• Reflection on surfaces, textures, and trims.

• To look, feel, and be inspired by wood;

SCHEDULE:

February 7th:

From 3 pm: Accommodation and check-in of participants;

5 pm: Reception at the studio and presentation of the group and trainers;

7:30 pm: Welcome dinner at Casa das Artes

February 8th to 12th: 

Course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break.

The studio is open from 6 pm to 9 pm.

February 13th:

Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation

CONDITIONS

• Deadline for enrollment: January 7th, 2025.

• Special discount for members of our community available for early bird registrations by 4/11/2024.

THE WOODCARVING COURSE FEE INCLUDES:

• Integration in a small group of participants;

• Training 5-6 hours a day, speaking in English and in Portuguese;

• Open studio 12 hours a day;

• Lunch during the course, from February 8th to 12th;

• Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (6 nights)*;

• All the materials needed for the course;

• Welcome dinner on the first day of the course;

*The hostel is equipped with two dormitories (female/masculine), a kitchen, and two shared bathrooms. The booking includes towels and linen.

ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:

• Upgrade to 6 nights in a standard schist house shared by 2 participants and breakfast at an additional cost of 420€/per participant. Includes shared room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen. 

• Upgrade to 6 nights in a standard schist house for single occupancy by 1 participant and breakfast, with an additional cost of 600€/per participant. Includes single room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.

  
  Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions. For more information, contact artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.

ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:

artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com

+351 913 989 281*

*(call to national mobile network)

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.

Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.

GALLERY