Stone Relief Carving

When a sculpture stands in contact with a background plate, it is called a relief. Reliefs can be figurative or abstract and have existed since the Stone Age. Reliefs flourished in classical Greek, Hellenistic and Roman art as decorations on temples and tombstones. Also worth mentioning is the relief art of the Western European Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods, which is particularly evident in the tympanums of cathedrals.
 
Relief means ‘elevation’ and has played a major role in Mattis’ training as a stone sculptor. During this course, you will learn the techniques of this semi-dimensional sculpture.
 
What will we be doing?
You will learn to work with the traditional tools of the German ‘Bauhütten’ (fist hammer, beater and various chisels) and to handle a material called French limestone. You will learn all the necessary steps and techniques to make a traditional relief out of stone. During a break, over tea and biscuits, we will discuss various modern as well as classical stone sculptors who can serve as inspiration.
 
You can add a name, word, or a house number to your work. A relief also makes for a great house number plate. For this, you will also learn the lettering technique and how to attach the relief to the house wall. You will eventually go home with a finished stone relief. This home or garden detail will enhance your home or be a valuable gift for your friends or family.
 
Working in stone requires patience, willpower and perseverance. But once you master the basic skills, it develops into something meditative. The demanding physical work relaxes the mind and fills you with satisfaction while allowing you to achieve significant results quickly.