This five-day course will teach the art of building with natural stone and the intelligence and logic behind it. The goal is to build a series of sculptural elements culiminating in an arched entryway. Class discussions will include the science behind an arch and engineering the wooden form for its support while under construction. Taking things outside, we’ll create the footings and talk about stone types and wall form and structure. The lay of the land and the interests of the class participants will define the design, including exactly what and where we will build. This course will take you beyond basic stone masonry and into the realm of stonework as an art form.

Course start time: Sunday, 5pm
Course end time: Friday, 5pm

 

  • Competency Level: All Levels
  • AIA credits: 35 Eligible for HSW and SD credits

The Philosophy

Rocks are the earth. They are old, they store secrets, and tell them to those who can listen. We will gather stones together, listen, converse about which is next and which direction is best and which side is up. And we will turn natural chaos into a pattern...an order. We will see each rock's flavor and individual essence be given up as it becomes part of a more massive energy when assembled with others. The resulting sculpture, the structure, is then a place for you to come to hear that conversation or to have one of your own, now that the voices of the stones, once small and individual, are bigger, and can be more easily heard by the weight of their combined strength.

Suggested Reading

Michel and Judy Marcellot. Sacred Gardens (available at www.sevenarrowsfarm.com (http://www.sevenarrowsfarm.com/Sacred%20Gardens_Our%20Book.htm)

Materials to Bring

  • Work gloves
  • Stone or brick hammer
  • Unlined notebook and pens/pencils
  • Clothes to get dirty in
  • Eye protection
  • Steel toe boots are a good idea but not mandatory. At a minimum, sturdy work boots are a must.
  • Bring pictures, sketches, and ideas for you own projects and sites

Course Outline

Sunday 5PM

  • Orientation to Yestermorrow
  • Dinner
  • Introductory slideshow

Monday AM

  • Introduction to materials and techniques

Monday PM

  • Messing with stone
  • Q & A period

Monday EVE

  • Free

Tuesday AM

  • Stone stacking

Tuesday PM

  • Wooden form work
  • slideshow 3-5 pm

Tuesday EVE

  • Review students' projects, plans, etc.

Wednesday AM

  • Work on the wall

Wednesday PM

  • Sculpture play

Wednesday EVE

  • Free

Thursday AM

  • Work on the wall

Thursday PM

  • Sculpture play
  • Q & A period

Thursday EVE

  • BBQ on campus and Entertainment

Friday AM

  • Arch building

Friday PM

  • Birth of the Arch
  • Q & A period

Friday EVE

  • Graduation and Dinner

 

Start Date: June 16, 2013
Duration: 5 Days
Instructors:
Tuition: $875
Registration