Phil & Vicki Bishop Seminar

chipper67 · #1 06-20-2006, 07:55 PM

Hello,

On June 9, 10 and 11th I took my first woodcarving seminar with Phil and Vicki Bishop in Coleridge, NE. It was a great workshop. Phil and Vicki are not only wonderful carvers but they are great teachers too. They made it really fun for everyone. They are very down to earth people who really enjoy teaching caricature carving. If you ever get a chance to take a class with them please do it, you will not regret it. If I get the chance I will for sure take a class with them again. I chose one of Vicki's newest design of a gangster which she calls, "Dirty Rat". It is about 12" high. I just finished carving and painting/sealing the base yesterday. I call it, "Ya Wanna Piece A Me?" which my 5 year old son has been saying for about a month now (I think he heard it from a Jimmy Newtron cartoon).

Chipper67

oldbearx2 · #2 06-20-2006, 08:52 PM

Hey Chipper I agree. I took a couple of classes with Phil and Vickie. Learned a whole lot. They are great to work with and also have a great sense of humor. The Santa's I did are at my Picturetrail site. Thanks Harold

Bob_in_TN · #3 06-20-2006, 09:11 PM

I'm scheduled to take a 3 day seminar with Phil and Vicki at the end of September. I had a one day seminar with Phil at the CCA seminars at Dollywood last year. It was a lot of fun, but way too short, so I'm looking forward to this opportunity. Thanks for the post!

Mark N. Akers · #4 06-21-2006, 05:48 AM

I,ve hosted Vicki and Phil here at the house once,and they are coming back in Sept.They are a riot in the class and out of the class.You really get a deal taking their class,as you get 2 really good carving instructors for the price of 1.Bob are you taking their class at Smokey Mt.,if so I'll see you as we are scheduled to come by Sunday and visit the shop.

Blake Lunsford · #5 06-21-2006, 08:30 AM

Sure would like to get in to one of their classes. It seems as though they fill up just about as quick as they are scheduled. I'm going to try and get in one of their classes in 07 at Smokey Mtn. Great job on the carving!!!! Great work!

Blake

Bob_in_TN · #6 06-21-2006, 05:00 PM

Yes Mark, that's where I'll be. Like I said, I enjoyed the one day with Phil, but too short. Vicki was around, but wasn't allowed to say much, not a CCA member. I did talk to her and she seemed very nice. The CCA seminars are very good and would encourage anyone to take them, but they are very rushed. I'm going back this year. Looking forward to seeing you in Townsend.

Anthony Filetti · #7 06-22-2006, 07:58 AM

..yup folks I'll be taking my second class with them in NY in August, I'm looking forward to it...

For those who are interested their website is...

http://bishopwoodcarving.com/

...they have their Roughouts for sale on the site as well....

ElWoodTroll · #8 06-22-2006, 09:45 AM

I've been passing on the seminars untill my skills improve but, I'd like to sit and watch a class just to see if I could keep up. Also I've heard of encounters with instructors that were less than favorable and I am a little wary. Would the Bishops be a good choice for beginning carvers?

Anthony Filetti · #9 06-22-2006, 10:08 AM

Absolutely!! You will be able to walk away with a finished carving from their class as well. They assist you in all stages including finishing. They will do as little or as much as you'd like on the piece you are working on, they include handouts (Vicki's got a great one on hands), they supply all the finishing supplies.

The class is typical in that they set an egg timer and spend about 10 minutes with each carver on a rotating basis. So you would work with both Vicki & Phil several times throughout the day.

As an aside they bring in their whole line of Roughouts so you can purchase some to take with you as well. Last year they also had a selection of 'Denny' tools for sale as well at a very reasonable price.

From a beginner standpoint, they are excellent to work with as their demeanor is top notch and they have great patience. I would suggest to anyone taking a class of theirs to bring a notepad and camera along so you can remember all the great advice you are given.

By far you could not ask for nicer instructors...(great down-home folk!!!)

bbowers · #10 06-22-2006, 10:40 AM

The Bishop's put on a great seminar. I'm not sure which is more talented, so it is very much a double treat to be in their class. Whether a beginner or top notch carver, I think everyone gains something.
Our carving group in central Kansas is hosting them June 2007 and am looking forward to another opportunity to carve with them both.
Well worth the time & expense!

Barry