Wood Carving with Mike Kapetan
length: 6 sessions (2 hrs each)
Size: 11 people
Price: $300 - $530 *
type: skill development
AGES: 16+ **
* Price varies based on the tool kit chosen at checkout.
* Includes a month of membership at Maker Works!
** We may consider MOTIVATED younger people with a parent in the class.
Dates and Times: 8 AM - 10 AM, Sundays, May 25th - June 29th
For those purchasing a kit through Maker Works, registration ends Monday, May 12th.
For those bringing their own kit, registration ends Wednesday, May 21st.
There is an expectation that you will continue making progress on your work between sessions.
What am I getting myself into?
Mike Kapetan working on a bas relief of a platonic solid
Dive into the transformative art of wood carving with the distinguished sculptor Mike Kapetan in a comprehensive workshop over six sessions.
Each session will include a ‘chalk talk’ presentation followed by a hands-on experience that builds towards the next, culminating in the crafting of a bas-relief of a Platonic solid and a unique, free form, freehand carving. Through this series we’ll set a foundation that will support a life long journey of carving: clamping your material, learning about wood, keeping your tools sharp, and maintaining proper body form.
Mike Kapetan, a master sculptor with an extensive background in the spiritual, scientific, and historical realm of art, brings his knowledge and passion to this workshop. As you advance through the sessions, you will delve into the realms of depth perception and tonal transitions, draw inspiration from historic woodcarvers, and learn traditional techniques of carving.
This series promises to equip you with a solid understanding of wood, tool sharpening, and carving techniques along with space for open discussion and personal development under the guidance of a teacher with decades of experience that draws on thousands of years of history.
Whether you're an aspiring carver or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop is an invaluable opportunity to explore the art of wood carving in a rich, immersive environment.
This course includes a month of membership providing you with access to the shop beyond the class. You will have all the tools necessary to progress between classes, and much more at the shop!
What have people said about the Wood Carving class?
Gloves Required
Please bring a leather or kevlar glove, available from your local hardware store.
Required Tools
Maker Works will provide for each attendee a wood carving kit (to keep!) with everything needed to get started. It will arrive sharp enough to begin, though we’ll quickly get into how to further sharpen them! See details below to see what is included, and choose option 1 when checking out.
If you would like to provide your own kit, choose option 2 when checking out. Whatever you bring must include what’s in the ‘Bring Your Own Kit’ below. If you’re not sure the tools are sharp, contact us two weeks prior to class and we’ll discuss your options.
Option 1) +$230: Maker Works will provide a kit similar to:
15oz Mallet (Maul)
Option 2) $0: Bring Your Own Kit - Should include the following items (or near equivalent):
1/4" Straight Single Bevel Chisel
#3 1" Gouge
#5 3/4" Gouge
#9 1/4" Gouge
400/1000 Diamond or Water Stone
Leather Strop w/Compound
15oz Mallet (Maul)
Recommended Reading
Sharpening Carving Tools for Beginners by Lora S. Irish
Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley
The Soul of a Tree by George Nakashima
Carve a World of Gnomes by Nikki Reese