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Oamaru Stone Carving

$440.00 $440.00
Tax included. 
Description

Discover the joy of carving with Oamaru stone in this beginner-friendly 7-week course. Whether you’re completely new to sculpting or curious to explore a new medium, this hands-on course is your chance to shape, sculpt, and bring your ideas to life using the creamy, workable texture of this beautiful natural stone.

Under the guidance of experienced artist Alison Rush, you’ll learn everything from sketching your design to using specialist tools to form, detail, and finish your very own stone sculpture. With a mix of history, technique, and personal creativity, this class is a unique opportunity to get stuck in and leave with a finished piece you’ll be proud to display.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The basics of sculpture design and form
 ✅ How to safely use chisels, rasps, mallets and carving tools
 ✅ Step-by-step carving techniques – from roughing out to fine detailing
 ✅ The cultural and historical background of Oamaru stone in Aotearoa
 ✅ How to develop a concept from a 2D sketch into a 3D artwork
 ✅ Health & safety best practices in a carving studio environment

What You’ll Create:

Over course, you’ll complete your own small Oamaru stone sculpture. Whether abstract or representational, your piece will reflect your creative vision and your newly developed skills in this timeless craft.

Course Structure:

Week 1: Introduction, health & safety, and getting familiar with the stone and tools
Week 2: Sketching and planning your sculpture + roughing out your form
Week 3–6: Progressive carving techniques, tool use, form refinement, and texturing
Week 7: Finishing touches, smoothing, and celebrating your completed piece

This structure allows for plenty of one-on-one tutor guidance, while also giving you the space to follow your own creative direction.

Why Join This Class?

If you’ve ever been curious about stone carving, this is your chance to try it in a safe, relaxed, and creative environment.

✔️ No experience needed – perfect for first-time carvers!
 ✔️ Learn a traditional skill using local materials
 ✔️ Take part in a meditative, hands-on creative process
 ✔️ Work with professional tools and guidance from a skilled artist
 ✔️ Create a beautiful and lasting sculpture to take home

Is This Workshop Right for Me?

Absolutely – whether you're an absolute beginner or someone looking to try a new medium, this course is open to all. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to give it a go!

Meet Your Tutor:

Alison Rush is a skilled and passionate artist who works across stone carving, painting, and printmaking. With years of experience as both a practising artist and a tutor, Alison brings a calm, supportive, and insightful teaching style to her workshops. Her love of natural materials and creative expression is at the heart of everything she does—and she’s here to help you unlock your creative potential through stone.

What Do I Need to Bring?
  • Dust mask
  • Gloves (gardening gloves are fine)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Paper and pencil
  • Long hair tied back
What Will Be Provided?
  • Oamaru stone for your sculpture
  • All carving tools and studio equipment
When is this course?

Fridays, 9th May to 27th June, from 10AM to 1PM. Please note there will be no class on the 20th due to a Public Holiday.

If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.

Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.

If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this informattion

This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class

All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.