The Perfect Seminar

falconer · #1 03-13-2007, 10:51 AM

I know that most if not all here on this forum have been to at least one seminar in there carving career. In your opinions what would make the "perfect" seminar? Is it the location, price, subject, teacher, style or combination of all of these that might make up what you see in your mind as the perfect seminar.

JIM QUILICI · #2 03-13-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconer

I know that most if not all here on this forum have been to at least one seminar in there carving career. In your opinions what would make the "perfect" seminar? Is it the location, price, subject, teacher, style or combination of all of these that might make up what you see in your mind as the perfect seminar.

I belive it's not the cost but what you learn from the seminar do they teach in such a way that you retain and able to use what they do teach. do they teach the things you like to carve. I would go in a heartbeat to a seminar by lynn D's just to learn how he carves his eyes. I don't have problems carving eyes but I sure like the way he does them. carving is like trying to learn to walk ......one step at a time.....my 2 cents
Just old Jim

BobD · #3 03-13-2007, 11:31 AM

For me, the perfect seminar would be a very small class (no more than 3 people) with individial instruction on techniques and not a lot of emphasis on completing a project.

I want to learn the little tricks that the instructor has learned for doing the somtimes mundane things better...or how to get the most out of your tools.

Sunday I learned an easy way to make sure you get clean cuts with a gouge from Mark Yundt; in an article I'm working on with the CCA, I learned how to use the sides of a gouge like a knife...little things that add up to making a better overall carving!

But that's just how I learn and I know that there are many others who learn differently!

Bob

Nancy-ID · #4 03-13-2007, 11:48 AM

I have never attended a seminar, but I have thought about it. So for me the perfect seminar would be:

#1. Subject that I am interested in. (animals or birds)
#2. How good is the teacher as a carver, and as a teacher.
#3. Price. (could I afford it plus the lodging)
#4. Location (how far I'd have to travel)
#5. How long I would have to be away from home (motel costs figured in here)

So sort of in that order is how my considerations would go.

Tom H · #5 03-13-2007, 12:19 PM

I agree with all, but especially with BobD. The TIPS the TOOL TECHNIQUE. Also, most tutorials and classes that I have taken seem to begin one or two steps beyond where I need to start. The instructor assumes that the learners are more advanced than they really are. This means that a seminar needs to discriminate between the various levels of experience. A more experienced carver would probably not be to happy to have me in the same seminar, taking up valuable instructor time. I would also like to see the instruction go a little beyond the actual carving, to preparing a piece for finish. I think I would be more inclined to pay the money for a seminar if the seminar were tied to another event, or reason to be there. Tom H

Anthony Filetti · #6 03-13-2007, 12:32 PM

Subject and Instructor are it for me. Since most of us do not have a limitless budget for carving I have to make sure it counts. It has to be something I want to learn and somebody I believe will help my learning curve...I want to walk away from every seminar having learned something valuable.

Lynn O. Doughty · #7 03-13-2007, 01:04 PM

I've never been to a seminar and I've never taught one either. However, if you want to stop by the shop I'll tell and show you anything you want at no cost.

Anthony Filetti · #8 03-13-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn O. Doughty

However, if you want to stop by the shop I'll tell and show you anything you want at no cost.

...and that is what makes this group so unique...everyone is willing to help!!!

BobD · #9 03-13-2007, 01:27 PM

Yup! I've been welcomed all over the continent (well...Bethlehem, PA, and Ontario, Canada) where I met and learned from great carvers (Alfie, Colin, and Mark). Someday I'd like to get to the western states to see Lori Corbett, Tom Matus, Lynn, Rick Ferry and some of the other great carvers out there!!!

Bob

wood-whittler · #10 03-13-2007, 01:30 PM

to me the perfect seminar would be to sit down with your favorite carver and pick his brain and watch him/her carve for awhile. to me the one on one would be great because you dont have to worry with other students interupting. although sometimes it is nice to have others there to see what type of ideas they come up with.

bart