With the production of sculpture dividing into two main categories (additive and subtractive), this course investigates methods of subtractive carving in stone.  

Artefacts from subtractive production in stone date back thousands of years, indeed their durability and longevity are potentially one of their main distinguishing features. Reductive thinking and the inherent irreversibility of the process will be the basis to explore methods of producing a sculptural form in stone. This course will focus on bass relief and letter carving as a method of exploring the transition from two- to three-dimensional form. Fluency in stone carving will require further practice beyond the course’s duration; this course intends to lower the access thresholds, familiarise the students with principal tools and techniques, and point towards solution strategies for future personal practice.  

This course focuses on skill-based training, yet the project assignments within the courses nonetheless require students to also articulate creative ideas and integrate different skills into a well-planned creative strategy.