This is a beginner studio course on three-dimensional woodcarving and design with a focus on bowl carving. In this course, students will explore Coast Salish carving and design through examples of local artists and faculty artwork, explore symbolism in their designs, and carve their own bowls, unique to the student's identity, culture, and creative expression.

The course will go over the creation of a master design, learning how to use various hand tools, and how to successfully complete an artistic vision. Students will be familiarized with different carving tools and techniques that will allow them to design and carve in wood such as yellow or red cedar, basswood, cherry, alder, or birch. Throughout the term, students will reflect on their designs and inspirations through written assignments informed by lectures and readings.

The students will draft their designs in a sketchbook based on research of their chosen design elements.  Students may take inspiration from traditional Coast Salish designs, contemporary woodworking, and or personal interests. This design will be refined with the assistance of faculty in order to best reflect the student's intentions and the necessary techniques in order to successfully carve it. Once the design is created, the students will learn how to transfer the design to their chosen wood, turning the two-dimensional designs into wood carvings.

Students will learn how to best accomplish the forms they are trying to create with personalized guidance from Ed NoiseCat. Students will learn how to use tools to create their work, including tools such as chisels, gouges, carving knives, and Flexcut knives. Students will learn techniques such as chip carving, knife finishing, and detail carving. By the end of the 10 weeks, students will have created and completed a bowl. At the end of the term, students will participate in a critique to go over what was successful in their work and where there are areas to improve.

 Anticipated Credit Equivalencies: 

4 - Wood Carving: Bowls