self taught or student of carver?

[Thor]

HI all,
This is an issue I have with myself, and would like to know if others have the same challenge. I have taught myself everything I know about carving through books, and forums such as this. I would like to know the benefits of taking a workshop, how much folks think they learn in one, why they are important or not so much? I live very secluded, and it would take a major drive, effort and expense to get any hands on instruction. It is hard to spend money on that instead of a new tool or wood.

Also, who would you recommend as a favorite carver to take from?
Thanks in advance for what I know will be experienced input.
Thor

[Anthony Filetti]

Thor,

I am in a similar boat where I have been carving for over 10+ years but have never taken a carving class. This year I will be taking two. Since, I like Caricatures I will be taking classes from well known instructors (Gary Falin, Phil & Vicki Bishop) who teach the area of carving I am interested in. I also have some goals of what I'd like to learn from each. by learning several different ways of eyes, that in itself is like putting a tool in my toolbox because now I have options. In caricatures everyone has different finishing techniques, so now I will learn two more...

Before we can recommend instructors we will need to know your area of interest?

[Thor]

My interests are mainly in relief, but I would like to expand to 3-D with some confidence.
My relief work needs a lot of improvement. I may be at that crossroad where I can learn more from someone else quickly than I can from trial and error.
Thor

[Mitchell]

Tony is correct, an instructor will depend on what you want to carve.

That being said, I do think that carving with a more experienced carver is very beneficial. You are not too far from the John C Campbell school, so you may be able to pick up a class there. There are frequently classes in South Carolina and North Carolina that you can try to attend.

I originally started in the same manner as you...self taught and then from books. I did not progress too much until I saw other carvers at work. I have had sessions with Tom Wolfe, Harold Enlow, Gary Falin, Pete LeClair, Desiree Hajiny, and Peter Ortel. I can honestly say that one class is not better than another - you will learn all you can absorb.

[GAcarver]

You may want to look into the John Campbell Folk school in Brasstown N.C.

They have a website with all the info you need.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I too am a self taught carver.....I taught myself everything I know! Trouble is....i dunt no nuttin! LOLApple Ice Cream Bouncing S

[Just Carving]

There are many ways of learning. Taking classes is just one. Viewing videotapes or DVD's can be just as good. In some cases, better because ther is no rush to accomplish one task in a short period of time. In other words, you can learn at your own pace. Reading books works for many--myself included. Again, I can work at my own pace, at my own leisure.

From what I have learned about carving, and in fact, for many skills like carving, once you have acquired the knowledge of how a tool is used, it is predominately the student's goal to hone that skill and that comes with practice, practice, practice. I have learned letter carving on my own by reading a few books and practicing the techniques I learned. Now it is a matter of time and practice before I consider myself as having mastered that skill.

What I found in reading the few books I purchased is that everyone has their own way of doing things--each author has a certain way of carving the wood--pushing vs. pulling, knife vs. gouge, etc. You could go to a class and end up coming away with not only a skill, but also several ways of performing that skill. For some that may be good--particularly one who is trying to learn more advanced ways of carving. But for a novice, I think it would be better to learn from one teacher and one way of carving until such time the student has mastered that skill and is ready to progress to the next level. But you could do the same with books and videos--and even perusing this website, asking questions, posting photos of your work, and allowing others to critique it.

I like learning on my own. No interruptions, no lectures, no egos, and no travelling. So, Thor, the answer lies with yourself. If you're happy with your level of carving, then stick with it and spend the money on tools, wood, whatever you want. But if you desire to take a class with others to learn more, or investigate a different technique, but the classes are too far, then try an alternative method of learning like videos, books--or possibly learning at a distance from someone who you could send information, i.e. photos, drawings, videos, etc. back and forth for your learning and the instructor's critique. It's a little more involved, but you learn from someone else, get to spend more time carving instead of travelling, and probably save some money, too.

Just a thought, maybe WCI could foster such an endeavor where there would be independent learning classes here just like the independent study classes that are becoming more prevalent in the colleges.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Good question to spur discussion Thor! You'd no doubt get as many opinions as there are carvers......and all correct.

I'm "self taught"....but I hate that expression. Haven't taken a lesson or course in my 35 years of ship modelling or carving. I learned by reading, by doing, and by improvising. Call it trial and error, it's one heck of a learning curve. Having said that, I do wish that I would have had the opportunity to take lessons. It sure would have shortened the learning curve, but in doing it my way, I developed my own style and methods. The nice thing about being self taught....you never have any boundries.....you never know what you "can't do".

The internet has opened my eyes to what others are doing, how they are doing, to new tools, techniques and materials that some may take for granted. But by reading up on a subject, you get to study it in depth, at length and absorb the subject to master it.

I don't believe there is a right way and a wrong way....just different ways to reach the same place. Different ways to express whatever it is you are passionate about. It's not always about the destination, most of life is about the trip getting there! I'd better shut up now....I'm getting too deep for me!Smile

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Ditto what HI Hosaid. However, Bob, I don't mind the 'self taught" title. I carve for my enjoyment as well as those who recieves my carvings. It would be nice to have a carving class but there isn't any in the area and the closest one is about 150 miles away and usually their time schedule and mine don't meet.

I have seen a couple of people who said they were instructors but what I saw were peole who put forth minimum effort. Not a class I would attend and spend the money.

[Goody]

Check around and see if there are any carving clubs around. We have a couple here in MD. My favorite one is a bunch of us old farts get together in a church basement every other week. A lot of knowledge is traded back and forth as well as a lot of BS. It is a very informal, do as you please atmosphere. We have another club that is a little more organized that meets once a month. A lot of good carvers there willing to share there knowledge. I have taken a few courses over the years and learned a lot from them but always used the knowledge gained at the classes to develop my own style. I find my self teaching some santa carving classes now and then and strive to help a student develop thier own style instead of carving like me. I think teaching has taught me more than the classes I have taken.
Goody