JADE CARVING Vernon BC 2008
From the 2008 Jade Carving Workshop
in
Vernon BC
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Since 1993, Deborah has been offering jade carving workshops at her home based studio, in Vernon, British Columbia.
Usually there are only one or 2 participants at a time. Both small and medium scale projects are taken on, with 99% of them completed by the end of each session.
For more info.
In the fall of 2008, Deborah invited Donn Salt to demonstrate his small scale carving skills in her studio, and rounded up 4 eager participants for this unique opportunity.
After the Vernon workshop, the next destination was due south, to Big Sur, California. The 17th annual Jade Festival was held on October 10, 11, & 12. Both Donn and Deborah showed their pieces at this event with Jade Haven Galleries.
Following that, the 2nd annual workshop at the California School of Jade Carving was scheduled to begin on October 20th, for 6 days.
This was hosted once again by Mike Burkleo, who provided the space, equipment and passion for learning the techniques involved in carving jade. Nine participants in all enjoyed an intensive 6 day session with Donn and Deborah, who shared their expertise with small and medium scale approaches to working jade.
There is a great number of people associated with jade and the arts who are very interested in learning these skills. Next October’s workshop is tentatively booked, and the waiting list is getting longer!
The Renaissance is well on its way!
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September 2008 saw the first Jade Carving Experience combined with Deborah Wilson and Donn Salt.
Deborah was kind enough to open her Jade Carving Studio to a small group of aspiring carvers whose inspiring endeavors are illustrated here.
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Drawing is an essential part of the creative process to develop and evolve original, contemporary jade carvings which enhance and compliment the stone as much as the design is complimented by the stone.
Drawing Essentials
The start of hand work.
Hand working Jade Blade
Black Jade
Australian 'Black Jade' Blade
Iaen’s exquisite, finely carved, Black Jade Knife holds a definite touch of the fantasy realm with the wavey blade and forked antler tines.
I know of an 80 pound block of jade suitable for carving and jewellery. What is this worth and is there a market for it? Regards, Margo
July 17th, 2009 at 6:29 amHi Margot,
It is impossible to determine a value sight unseen. First off, one needs to know the color and structure, ie. flaws, fractures and grain of the jade before a fair value could be appraised.
I will ask where do you live as it may be possible to organize someone near you to view the jade. A selection of photos would also be of assistance. Is the stone cut or not? If so a pic of the cut face could give an indication as to quality. Also the location of source, where the stone is from, will provide a possible comprehension of potential.
Trust this helps for a start ….. Donn
July 17th, 2009 at 1:33 pmwere you doing the hand work with a slurry of some type??Iv been wondering how you make a slurry as well
November 16th, 2009 at 6:28 pmThanks
Hiya Shane,
The ’slurry’ is generated by the action of using the silicon carbide slip stick or can be made with loose silicon carbide grits of chosen grade and mixed with a suitable carrier. Water normally or can be mixed with varying amounts of a soluble thickening substances….. like glycerin. Applied with firm, shaped tools to fit the contours.
Cheers Donn
November 19th, 2009 at 9:43 am