La sculpture EN • The art of wood carving
CO-LINGUAL COURSE
Learn the basics of wood carving
La sculpture EN course introduces you to wood carving, an accessible art form that allows you to create your first pieces while developing precision and creativity. You will learn the essential techniques, as well as how to use and sharpen tools safely. To put what you’ve learned into practice, you will create a composition of carved motifs and a 3D piece, both crafted from solid wood.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is co-lingual (French–English), which means that francophone and anglophone participants form a single group and attend the same classes. The trainer adjusts the language of teaching to accommodate the group or alternates between French and English. All participants may speak the language of their choice, and the trainer will make sure that everyone understands the content.
It is not necessary to be bilingual to register, but basic understanding of both languages may be helpful. Because this course is based on manual work and individual exploration, it is particularly well suited to this way of working. We consider linguistic diversity an asset, and we ask that you show inclusiveness, kindness, and respect.
Prerequisites for the course
Level 1 – No prerequisites
Number of sessions
4 sessions
Training duration
20 hours
Cost
540 $ + txs
Wood carving course in pictures
Schedule
Group 1
Sundays, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2027, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
These dates don’t work for you? Find a course that fits your schedule.
Answers to frequently asked questions about wood carving
How can I get started with wood carving even if I have no experience?
Anyone can get started with wood carving, even without prior experience. This craft involves removing material using tools such as wood chisels and gouges to create shapes or patterns. To get started, it’s best to choose a soft, fine-grained wood, which is easier to work with. It’s also essential to learn how to handle the tools safely and to keep them sharp for precise cuts.
La sculpture EN course offers a comprehensive introduction to help you master the basics and create your first pieces with confidence.
What is the difference between a bas-relief and a sculpture in the round?
Bas-relief is a technique in which forms emerge slightly from a background to which they remain attached. In contrast, sculpture in the round refers to a three-dimensional sculpture that is fully detached and can be viewed from all angles.
This course allows you to experiment with both approaches by creating bas-relief designs and a complete 3D sculpture, so you can better understand their differences and applications while expressing your creativity.
How can you understand and master the grain of wood in sculpture?
The grain of the wood is a key factor in wood carving, as it affects the quality of the cuts, the precision of the work, and the strength of the piece. It is important to observe the direction of the grain and work with it to avoid splintering or tearing. You can compare wood fibers to fur: you must follow them and “lay them flat”, rather than working against the grain, at the risk of damaging the surface.
We’ll guide you through this learning process and help you use gouges and chisels safely and precisely.
Course plan
- Set of gouges, burin et straight chisel
- Mallet
- Bandsaw
- Grinder and sharpening stones
- Safe and appropriate use of carving chisels
- Creating bas-relief carvings
- Operating a bandsaw
- Carving in the round
- Sharpening gouges and other carving chisels
- Materials and tools needed to carry out exercises and/or projects
- Course notebook
- If necessary, loan of hearing protectors and safety glasses
If you have one, you can bring:
- a dust mask
- hearing protectors
- safety glasses
- safety shoes
Schedule of the wood carving course
- Introduction, course objectives and project
- Introduction to carving wood (wood species, tools, drawing layout and modeling)
- Techniques for the safe and proper use of equipment to create bas-relief carvings
- First carving exercise on a test piece of wood
- Demonstration/practice of sharpening a gouge
- Sketch a composition for bas-relief carving
- Creation of a bas-relief carving on a flat piece of wood
- Demonstration/practice of sharpening a gouge
- Explanation and demonstration of layout techniques for carving in the round
- Demonstration of rough cutting the form on the band saw
- Exercise in creating a sculpture in the round
- Exercise in creating a sculpture in the round
- Demonstration/practice of sharpening a gouge
Woodworking training program
This course is part of two programs bringing together a series of courses that allow progressive and in-depth learning of cabinetmaking techniques.
Participants
Unless otherwise specified, ÉÉAM general public courses are only open to people 18 years of age and older.
As openness and inclusion are essential values for the ÉÉAM, the school strives to accommodate everyone who is interested in cabinetmaking. If you live with a functional limitation and have questions regarding your ability to attend training, please contact us to discuss.
