Intermediate/Advanced Carving
Ceci N’est Pas Une Chemise by Chris Pye, limewood, bone, and wire, life-size, 2007
Detail from "The Royal Wedding Rosebowl" by Chris Pye, lacewood and boxwood, 2005
Chris Pye carving
Detail of trophy carved by Chris Pye for HRH the Prince of Wales.
Chris Pye
July 28 – August 8
This two-week course is for more experienced carvers who want to expand their technical and creative skills. All types of carving are welcome, including relief carving, carving-in-the-round, and lettering. Participants may embark upon new projects, bring work in progress, or choose to follow a series of exercises.
Through extensive one-on-one personal supervision, demonstrations, shared class ‘problems,’ and individual exercises, Chris helps students deepen their understanding of woodcarving. In addition to the technical requirements of carving, instruction emphasizes the crucial aspect of woodcarving design: how carvings ‘work’ visually and aesthetically.
Participants MUST discuss their projects with Chris in advance so they come with designs appropriate to the scope of the course and their skill levels, as well as the right tools and materials.
From his studio in Herefordshire, England, Chris Pye works on a broad spectrum of commissions, including lettering, heraldry, furniture ornamentation, architectural carving, and sculpture. A Member of the Master Carvers Association, clients include HRH the Prince of Wales. Chris has some thirty years of experience as a carver, and is the author of five books published by GMC Publications Ltd.: Woodcarving Tools, Materials, and Equipment (1994; 2002), Carving on Turning (1995), Lettercarving in Wood (1997), Relief Carving – A Practical Introduction (1998) and Elements of Woodcarving (2000). He has also produced three DVDs which are available through his website: www.chrispye-woodcarving.com.