"The wood teaches you to listen, and if you listen carefully, it will tell you exactly what it wants to become."

We are so pleased to be able to work at Crailing Community Orchard, an amazing community project and local natural resource. We will enjoy the space and a picnic in the orchard as we reflect upon nature, the environment and sculpture.

Course price includes picnic lunch.

FOUND WOOD SCULPTURE COURSE

Chris Kent returns for a unique class that concentrates on play, combines sustainability, sculptural techniques and personal storytelling and offers the tactile experience of working with nature and the magic of transforming discarded materials into art.

A class aimed at beginners and others wishing to explore their own creativity amongst nature and using natural materials.

Transform discarded, weathered branches and forgotten twigs into three-dimensional art.

Discover the hidden stories in nature's leftovers.

We will be working at the Crailing Community Orchard amongst many fascinating and ancient fruit trees.

What will we do?

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of found twigs and branches, by observing their shape, colour and texture, then playing with balance, knotting and interlocking shapes.

We will explore construction methods using twine and wire to bind pieces of timber together, as well as bolts/screws for added strength. Plus the safe use of hand tools.

Students will leave with a piece of sculpture suitable for a garden, as well as extra confidence and skills to develop other three-dimensional work in the future.

All materials provided.

There will be a tutor talk and/or demonstration of sculpture methods. Students will have the opportunity to  try out these methods using the tools and branches. Have a short picnic lunch break and share their work, if they wish. 1 - 1 Tutor advice throughout the class.

Chris will be around at all times to support and give advice. 

About artist, Chris Kent

These classes are led by Scottish Borders based artist Christopher Kent who studied at Bath, Sunderland and Newcastle. He has exhibited his work across the UK, in Europe and USA, in group as well as solo exhibitions(including the Royal Scottish Academy).

He was selected for the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year 2016. He has written and published 3 graphic novels. As well as painting and drawing, his practice has also included wood sculpture and has worked on a range of private and public commissions, including for Marie Curie and the National Trust. His work is held in a variety of national collections, (including the City Art Centre, Edinburgh. His work also includes performance, which he has written and performed - ‘Compulsion’ (about Orson Welles), and ‘The Phantom’(about Edgar Allan Poe).