Discover the Best Stone Carving Classes Online
Stone carving is one of the most ancient artistic crafts known to mankind. Originating from around 10,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE, this prehistoric pastime came from the development of stone tools. It first was utilized for tracking and documenting information, and then later was used for creating art.
The Ancient Greeks are well known for their stone carvings which resulted from a stone-on-stone technique. The creation of metal-based tools, like those crafted from iron or steel, helped stone carvers to create more detailed works. While fairly simple and rudimentary, the chisels, drills, and saws created during the iron age are still widely used today.
Today, most stone carving methods involve abrasion or diamond saw cutting. Other modern techniques have emerged, too: applying high heat to the surface of stone or using oxyacetylene torches, lasers, or even jet heat for larger sculpting projects.
Stone carving is a part of the history of several civilizations found across the globe. The influence of ancient Egyptian, Near East, Greek, and Roman sculpture can be seen in the stone carvings of Medieval Europe. As artistic trends and tastes have evolved over time, one thing has remained true: sculpting has always been valued as both a form of self-expression and a way to chronicle history.
Why You Should Learn Stone Carving Online
There are several benefits to learning the art of stone carving online. Sculpting is about patience, concentration, and critical thinking. It’s about the ability to manipulate materials, providing artisans the opportunity to be creative, express themselves, and maybe even minimize stress.
It can be difficult to limit distractions and explore new hobbies in today’s technology-centric world. Stone carving requires your sole focus, uses fairly rudimentary tools, and allows you to work with your hands. This cultivated focus combined with the tactile nature of carving stones can help melt away all the stress from earlier in your day. Pursuing an education online allows you to learn in solitude, which can help with maintaining focus and relieving stress.
Stone carving can also help you develop a new community made up of like-minded individuals. In-person or online classes can connect you to other passionate artisans that may help you further develop your craft. Practicing sculptors can even join various stone carving groups like the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association or the Stone Carvers Guild. Exploring a new hobby, like stone carving, can be a great way to make new friends.
Learning stone carving could also lead to exciting new career opportunities. You could become a skilled craftsman, chiseling commissioned masterpieces from granite or marble. You could also work in the interior design industry hand crafting mantels, stone pillars, and various other architectural accents. Banker masons are based in workshops where they craft, shape, texture, and polish blocks of stone. Fixer masons build or reassemble the stone pieces on site according to the architect’s plans. For those with an eye for design, professional skills, and the physical stamina needed, a career in stone masonry could be very fulfilling.
Virtual Stone Carving Classes
While in-person classes are typically the quickest and best way to learn a new skill, online classes can often accommodate complicated schedules and create opportunities for those who live in areas lacking in-person courses. Online stone carving classes are led by expert instructors but don’t require you to be in a classroom, so you can wear your pajamas while becoming a master sculptor.
While there aren’t currently any virtual stone carving classes available, there are several other related courses that will teach some of the same essential skills and techniques. You can learn to create a masterpiece from a simple block of clay in this portrait sculpture class. While there won’t be any hammering and chiseling, you will learn to sculpt from a live model using common clay sculpting tools. This six-week course is made up of live one-hour sessions. The instructor will sculpt along with you, providing you with a step-by-step process.
Want your craft to be more sustainable? Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose, Making Sculpture at the Evanston Art Center will make use of found and recycled materials to expand your creative practice and challenge the boundaries imposed by traditional sculpture materials.
You could also try your hand at crafting your own jewelry in this polymer clay earrings and accessories class. This beginner-friendly workshop will teach you to make unique earrings and accessories using oven-bake clay and just a few simple tools. Students will practice working with polymer clay, designing templates, cutting and shaping, and baking their own pieces. You’ll finish the class by assembling your clay pieces into wearable art.
Or you can fine-tune your carving skills in Intro to Wax Carving. Ideal for anyone with an interest in jewelry-making, this class will teach students the basic techniques of carving wax. You’ll put your new-found skills to the test when you carve your own three-dimensional heart.
Private Online Group Stone Carving Classes
CourseHorse also offers stone carving classes for private groups. Gather your office or organization’s team for a one-of-a-kind event where you can all learn stone carving together! Planning a private group class has never been easier. You can plan your event with zero booking fees and receive confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. In most cases, you can also adjust your group size or class details if given at least 72-hours notice. Plus, there are multiple supported platforms, so your online group class can be held over Zoom or whatever platform works best for you!
While there aren’t currently any stone carving private classes listed on the site, there is another option that may fit the bill. Try out a virtual clay hand-building class that’s great for all levels, including beginners. This class teaches simple pottery hand-building techniques by having students construct their own planter or candleholder. And you can skip the kiln since supplies are provided, including air dry clay. Skills like hand-sculpting, visualizing, and designing your project are great jumping-off points for stone carving as well.
Have your heart set on stone carving? CourseHorse can provide it! If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach out through the contact form on their site. You can also reach out to discuss coordinating a venue space for your event or having your workshop brought directly to your office or home.
Online vs. In-Person Stone Carving Classes
With so many ways to learn, it can be hard to decide which option is right for you. In-person classes provide a structured and traditional learning environment, one where you can have face-to-face interactions with both your instructor and your fellow students. These classes also typically provide all the supplies and materials you’ll need, so all you need to do is show up.
Do you work odd hours? Are there no in-person classes available in your area? CourseHorse’s online stone carving courses bring the classroom to you! You’ll still be taught by highly-skilled teachers, just from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere you choose). Live online classes allow you to ask questions and receive feedback in real-time while on-demand virtual classes can be stopped and started whenever you please. Typically, you will be responsible for sourcing your materials and supplies, so it’s important to factor that cost into your decision.
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