WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 7
August 11-16, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Julia Harrison
Carving Cottonwood Bark

The bark that is shed by cottonwood trees is an intriguing material for carving that offers dramatically unpredictable patterns, irregular shapes, and a soft but smooth texture. Bark responds better to strategy than to force and is a great material for beginners or those with lower hand strength as well as experienced carvers looking to build skill and sensitivity. Students will learn bark preparation, layout and roughing, tool selection, detailing, and finishing. We will primarily use hand tools but demonstrations will also cover some power tools and creating larger carving blocks. This process requires patience; expect steady but slow progress. All levels.

Studio artist; teaching: Penland, Haystack (ME), Arrowmont (TN), Pratt Fine Arts Center (WA), Snow Farm (MA), 92nd St. Y (NYC); grants: World Wood Day Research Grant, North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant, Campbell Folk School Traditional Craft Mentorship (NC); residencies: Museum for Art in Wood (PA), Bunnell Street Arts Center (AK), Penland; collections: University of Arkansas, Tacoma Art Museum (WA), Mint Museum (NC), Museum for Art in Wood (PA).

juliaharrison.net | @byjuliaharrison
October 15 – November 15: Scholarship applications accepted
January 14 – Regular enrollment opens