Ben Russell

Woodcarving in Bantry

Woodcarving Workshops with Ben Russell, a relaxing 3-day break, learning a new skill

A few times every year, woodcarver/photographer Ben Russell dusts down his professional studio and sets it up as a teaching workshop. Over the last decade and a half, the courses have attracted a wide range of participants from every imaginable walk of life. Complete beginners, who have decided it would be fun to give it a try, have developed their creativity alongside woodworkers and artists who want to expand their skills.

Make something beautiful
Learn a new skill
Fill gaps in existing skills

Plenty of ideas and help at the workshop

Good company, tasty catering

Ben is a patient teacher and he works carefully to help each participant get what they want to out of the workshops. Sometimes this is a specific skill or project - perhaps a very personal present. Alternatively, it could be just the need for a retreat, where demands are few, the company is good, and the gentle tap-tap-tap of mallets on gouges quickly dissolves day-to-day burdens.

The course is structured so that as much time as possible can be spent carving, with specific tutorials delivered each morning and afternoon, along with a refreshment break. You will learn how to:

Plan a project, with drawing or clay model making
Choose and maintain woodcarving tools
Shape wood using chisels, gouges and rasps
Enhance and protect your woodcarving with suitable finishes

Timber and tools are provided, and Ben's photography skills and decade of woodwork journalism have produced a good selection of illustrated step-by-step projects for participants to follow. The studio has an extensive reference library and a tool shop for those who would like to equip themselves to carry on carving after the course. Tasty lunches and refreshments are laid on every day.