Charles Thompson
October 5-9
Carving spoons from green wood sparks a conversation between material, environment, and handwork. Carving from branch-to-spoon, students learn to use a carving axe and sloyd knife as well as edged-tools like drawknives, spokeshaves, gouges, and the clog-maker’s knife.
Throughout the workshop, Charles covers a variety of styles of spoons stemming from different kinds of materials, including foraged branches, riven straight stock, and steam-bent blanks. Once everyone has a few spoons in their pockets, the class progresses to decorative techniques like chip carving and milk painting. As time allows, students assemble their own sloyd knife with decorative handle and bark sheath.
Charles Thompson makes chairs and carvings in a humble workshop on a hill in western Massachusetts. His work reflects on vernacular forms and uses a mixed vocabulary of techniques, patterns, and materials that speak to the efficacy of handwork. He typically works straight from the log, splitting, bending, manipulating, then rejoining wood in a process that leverages personal intention and celebrates common materials. He is the recipient of the 2024 John D. Mineck Fellowship. His website is charlesthompson.net.
Open to all.
