 Heritage Arts Studio was proud to host European 3rd generation master carver Norah Hall, May 4th, 5th and 6th at our school in North Plains, Oregon. This was a unique experience, and 8 students were introduced to the layout and design of basic floral patterns, cartouches, and the "Newport Shell". The techniques learned will help them to produce strong fluid lines and crisp detail. Nora has so much to offer carvers of all levels (simply watching her carve is a treat!). Using her classic European style of carving teaches you the techniques for efficiency and tool control. Using full sized mallet tools, she steps you through exercises in the use of specific tools to accomplish a particular design, from the simplest floral relief to a Chippendale fan. After selecting a cartouche design, Nora helped diagnose the parts of the design and how to approach carving it from start to finish. By the end of her seminar, you will have developed the confidence and skill to practice different techniques and to start a project of your own! - Kelley Stadelman Our class was mainly technique: she developed it from 66 years of carving trial and error. Nora is a stickler for doing things her way, but it makes good sense because she has learned through many years of experience. Her methods are efficient and safe. She uses the best tools and she demonstrated how to sharpen them, as well. She gives lots of individual as well as group instruction, in a positive manner. She is an intriguing person with a rich background. - Rita Gooding We all worked on what interested us at our own speed. Small projects allowed us to complete several items with different carving styles: flowers, borders, fans, circles & leaves - I did them all! - Kathleen Brunson |
|
|
|
On Tools: V-tool, 3, 5, & 7 sweep gouges and a veiner were used primarily for these projects. Technique:
Your tools need to be SHARP! Tool control is a must (see photo "Proper Tool Grip") Sharp tools are a MUST! Patience - think it through and read the pattern. Things go a lot better if your tools are SHARP! The "Nora Flip" (you must attend a class with Nora to get more info on this secret carving trick, and it only works with SHARP tools!) Ambidextrous Carving: It can be done --- but your tools need to be SHARP!
Nora enjoyed the class, and her stay at the Stadelman Bed & Breakfast. She has expressed an interest in doing more classes, here at Heritage Arts Studio, in the future. We all look forward to return visits and more opportunities to pick her brains. Seldom do we get the chance, these days, to learn from someone who is truly a master in their field. |
Each day she would tell us "tomorrow we'll work on..." or "tomorrow we will learn..." You leave tired, but you can't wait to return, and this is due totally to her interest, concern and enthusiasm for carving. Technique: Use the gouge - tool that fits the radius or curve that you are working on. The importance of using both hands. The necessity of keeping the non-tool hand firmly on the board (work piece) to guide the tool. The sharper the tool - the better the carving! Design & Layout: Drawing intimidates many and Nora demonstrated how she draws in light lines, over and over, refining the form until going over the drawing one last time with a final dark outline - demonstrating that everyone can draw. Tools: Nora demonstrated that every type of carving - lettering, moldings, fans, linenfold, etc... - can be done with the same small number of tools she recommends. A totally enjoyable class, and one that I would take again! - Jim Howell |
