Stone Carving made a return to the Phoenix last year when we welcomed Mark Stonestreet to come teach us the joys of creating free-standing abstract sculpture. It was an absolutely fantastic course!

This year Mark is coming back for more and this time we’re giving the students more stone to create with and more time – 5 days to be precise! The dusty nature of stone means that we will be working under a marquee set within the studio’s beautiful meadow – what better way to spend your summer – especially when none of us can go abroad?

Outside of a global pandemic, Mark spends half the year creating sculpture in the South Downs and the other half in Mamallapuram in India – a village of over 200 stone carving workshops. His life is in stone and I liked him the instant we met. He is everything you would expect a stone carver to be – sturdy, weathered (meant in the nicest possible way, I promise Mark!) with a warm, no-nonsense personality that immediately puts you at ease. Our students are in safe hands working with him and I cannot wait to see what they will achieve this year!

23/08/2021 - 27/08/2021 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: The Phoenix Studio

This fun course includes:

Informal, relaxed & attentive guidance for every student, provided by Mark Stonestreet
Step-by-step demonstrations covering…

- How to work with the tools and stone safely,
- How to create an abstract design that will look good and have structural integrity,
- How to transfer your design to the stone and carve into it efficiently to create the basic shape,
- How to add detail and refine the carved form,
- How to finish and present the form (looking at finishes, treatment, and mounting).

This course is for you if:

You want to realise drawings and 2D designs into 3D or have an introduction to visualizing your ideas in 3D
You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your own
You want to learn how to work safely and competently in stone
You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative environment

Suitable for?

Anyone, but please note that you will be using a chisel and mallet throughout the three days and this will take it’s toll on your arms and body.

We generally limit the age to 16 years old+ though exceptions can be made where appropriate. Please contact James Orts and ask.

What is included in the price?

Five full days tuition (10 am-4.30 pm)
Materials, including a piece of Portland stone (approximately 55cm x 25cm x 22cm), safety gear, and the tools you will need for when on the course
You could consider making a simple printed course handout outlining the technique’s main principles and useful links/suppliers – Totally your choice though!
Tea, coffee, biscuits/cakes
Use of a beautiful, purpose-built art studio with all the equipment & materials you will need
Beautiful countryside setting

Pre-course prep

It would be useful to gather, sketch out or think about what abstract shapes you are drawn to. Mark will be able to provide ideas as well and advise you on which of your ideas may work best so having some ideas to work from would be useful.

You will be working outdoors so come prepared for the forecasted weather and all students must work in sturdy shoes.

You will be sent an automated email on booking which prompts you towards documents that help you prepare for your time here. If this does not happen then please email James before the course.

Beyond The Course

Having completed a Phoenix Studio course many of our students choose to explore the medium further. They may come on another weekend course, start coming to our Phoenix Art Club Sessions or our Creative Monday Sessions, or carry on independently at home. We are more than happy to help and advise you in taking those first creative steps!

Need accommodation?

If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for your visit then have a look at our recommend B&Bs and hotels. Click here for the list.

Abstract Stone Carving Course with Mark Stonestreet