John Bryan
August 21-25
This course is for intermediate and advanced carvers who want to strengthen their eyes for form and broaden their knowledge of traditional tools and techniques, all the while building skills and confidence. Students may choose to embark on new pieces or bring works in progress. (For the former, John can suggest projects such as simple and graceful egrets.)
The majority of student time is dedicated to hands-on carving with John’s one-on-one guidance, plus breaks for shared critiques. Among topics John addresses through discussion and demonstration are
- how to approach the carving process with maximum efficiency through composition, drawing, and thorough step-by-step planning, and
- how to improve the mechanics of your carving through attention to body position, work area organization, holding work safely and effectively, selecting the right chisel or gouge for the job, sharpening, and finishing work off the tool without sanding.
John Bryan is a wood sculptor in North Yarmouth, ME, with four decades of professional experience. He produces an extensive range of traditionally carved work, from architectural mantelpieces, entryways, and bas-relief wall panels, to sculpture in wood and bronze. John’s carvings are in private collections across the U.S. and in Japan. They have been published in The New York Times, Fine Woodworking, Bon Appetit, Downeast, and Sports Illustrated, and have been exhibited at the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, VA, and the Paul Mellon Arts Center in Wallingford CT, among other venues. A comprehensive portfolio may be seen at bryanart.com.
Open to solid-intermediate and advanced carvers.
