Gratefully facilitated by Mike Burkleo of www.RevelationsInStone.com
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The intense, five day, 2010 Jade Carving Workshop attracted a small group of highly motived participants.
Some with previous experience of working with this intriguing material and others with minimal knowledge about the intricacies of forming this often challenging media.
The opening discussion revolved around jade examples covering grain direction, structure and strength.
Design principles and inspirations were also a major input covering creativity from our surroundings encouraging wider perspectives in common day to day objects.
Guidance on carving original, creative designs from nature inspired Stu to pursue form from this popular orchid.
___Moving away from the overused motives of contemporary jade work which is flooding the world today.___
Preliminary sketches for a jade pendant …. and simplified…… Discipline in controlling over-complexities in graphics for stone carvings.
Front and back of the piece in the carving of…. still much to refine and finish
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Machine design, adaptation and use is illustrated by the construction of this elementary, inexpensive ‘Point Carver’.
A five speed drill press mounted on it’s side operating as a versatile unit. The keyless chuck an advantage.
Multitudes of applications are possible with such a setup as is indicated by the small selection of surrounding bits.
This preliminary development does not show bench mounting, water feed, lighting, splash guards, draining trays etc.
These refinements will be dictated by individual workshop requirements and environment.
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Bob Scholl developing skills on a similar system.
Carving a piece in entirety from start to finish is not an impossible task and follows the principles of the early Chinese Jade carvers.
Although not entirely carved on this unit such an attractive design as this of Bob’s below can be efficiently carved solely by using this system.
Roger’s Yukon nephrite proves to be more than suitable for creative jade carving as is indicated by this 3.5″ pendant from the 1st time jade experience of Bob’s.
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Brian Matheson
Using a NSK micro-motor handpiece for fine detail carving.
Although worked in a very sensitive Big Sur pebble this piece shows the promise of an exceptional carving.
Contour, form and balance all evident in this unfinished piece.
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Shane Hauser
Enjoying the ease of carving with an air / water mix attachment on the NSK micro-motor.
The intricacies of an overlapping design no problems with this vibration free and near silent tool at 50,000 rpm.
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Dick Horan
One of the original Big Sur Jade identities.
Again exploring the advantages of an air / water misting attachment keeping the piece clear and free of slurry.
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Cheyenne Sunhill
Chey, a participant from the original workshop, is no stranger to Jade with design ideas so numerous time is hardly sufficient to realize all potentials.
Impressive medallion of Big Sur, dark blue nephrite jade.
Apparently simple forms not always so easy to carve.
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Pietro de Persiis
Glass artist, now jade carver…… experiencing the intricacies of fine, hand finishing with silicon carbide shaped for specific purpose.
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And below is the cooler, outdoor line up…… Justin Barrett in attendance with much appreciated assistance, resources and deep knowledge.
Also appreciated by all, Matt Glasby in with a couple days of input and guidance.
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All enquiries for the 2011 Jade Carving Workshop Experience are welcomed.
Interested ???? Contact Mike
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