Learning to Carve: Soapstone Sculpture
is led by Heather Hancheruk — For grades 6 – 9

Are you a frustrated Michelangelo and want to release the figure from the stone? In this course you will have a chance to do just that! Taking our cue from Canada’s Inuit soapstone carvers, we will learn to chip, chisel, scrape and sand away at the stone until the animal emerges. When the carving is sanded and fi led to the best of your ability, we will oil it with mineral oil and watch the colours of the natural material shine forth! It isn’t for people who give up quickly; this kind of carving takes time and patience. In this course you’ll learn to persevere and appreciate the gradual and beautiful way your work develops as well as pay attention to detail. And your hands have to be big enough to handle the tools.
All students must wear a mask to prevent inhalation of the fi ne dust that the carvings create. The process is long and delicate, but the result is amazing and you will be very happy to see what you have achieved when you are fi nally done! Remember that soapstone is a real stone, and it is hard; it is not soft like soap or clay.

This activity will only be offered in weeks 1 and 2

Inuit Soap Stone Walrus and Narwhale by Chris_o_ramma from flickr.com