The idea for the individually carved plaques evolved from the need to have seating within the courtyard.
An "African Drumming Chair" has been choosen for the style of seating, keeping with the "primal" theme of the courtyard.
(If anyone has information about this chair, which was found at the Swap Shop several years ago, we would appriciate hearing from you)
To make this chair even more design orientated, the students have been designing, and carving in relief, Mahogany plaques that will be inlaid into the back support panel.
The process began with the study of the "Seven Motifs of Design". Each student then sketched out 9 ideas in their sketchbooks:
Each student then chose the most dynamic of their designs and transfered the drawing to the wood block:
After instruction was given by the Visiting Artist, Clara Cohan, on care of carving tools, sharpening of tools, and relief carving, the students began carving their chosen design:
Keeping the carving tools sharp became an essential skill:
Visiting Artist giving guidance and support:
There is a lot of intense focus when carving in order to
stay safe,
but there are those who manage to relax every now and then in the process...
Some of the finished plaques:
