The Way of the Blade : Carve with a Knife, Leave with a Spoon

This workshop will use green wood with two basic blades (straight and curved) to arve a small spoon (or two). Participant’s will learn different ways to grip and control a blade to make the shapes they are looking for. The beauty of plain knife work (AKA "whittling") is that all that is needed is a knife, wood, and a place to sit - no shop, vise, mallet, or workbench required. And when you learn to control the blade in your hand, you will gain a better understanding of how to make the most of any other cutting tool (axe, chainsaw, lathe or CNC machine). The possibilities of what one can make with these skills will be discussed as well as topics like decorative details, sculptural work, grain dynamics, types of wood and the geometry / processes of sharpening blades.

Kiko's been carving since he was ten and at seventeen he went to Italy to carve marble and has since worked in construction, community development, publishing, education and the arts. Public works include sculpted earthen community ovens, murals, outdoor furniture and other installations. Ten years ago Bill Coperthwaite introduced him to the joys of carving greenwood, and he now makes and sells a variety of spoons, bowls, plates and other beautiful household containers, tools and wares. He and his family also build soil, garden and homestead on an acre near Corvalis, Oregon.

Instructor will provide all materials and tools, but students are welcome to bring their own knives or carving tools if they have their own.

Instructor will provide all materials and tools, but students are welcome to bring their own knives or carving tools if they have their own.