Jon Mac.Spoon Carving First Steps: 20/06/2010

Tuesday 22 June 2010

The Topshan Art Show....

The Ideford Art Group has just completed a splendid weekend show at Topsham...

We were supported by many visitors who all showed a great interest in our work, and this has encouraged us to continue with our idea of showing our Art in as many easily accessible places as possible in the South West of England...
Here we have just finished setting up on the Friday night...

Here Jan Lunn explains some of her techniques to one of our guests...

Jan Lunn

And some great work by Oliver Lucas

Oliver Lucas

I spent a few days making some rustic spoons and whistles to add to my display...

I must admit I gave away most of the whistles to passing children...And a couple of adults...lol

Paul and Olly discussing the best way of enticing the passing potential viewers...

And some super glass work by

kate Packham

All in all we had a great time and we were greatly encouraged by the wonderful people who came to visit...

Thank you Topsham...

An article by First Steps...

ENJOY...

Jon Mac.

Folk Artist.

Photographer.

Jon has worked with his hands all his life. He has learnt many traditional working skills, from construction to carving beautiful wooden spoons and drinking vessels. He has spent much time on Dartmoor teaching outdoor pursuits, such as Ten Tors team training and working with private companies providing team building/survival resources. He is a retired member of Mountain Rescue and spent seven years on the active call out list with his local team.

( D.R.G.Ashburton).

He has spent many years exploring the Devon countryside perusing his other interest in photography, industrial archaeology and local history. He recently used his local knowledge and field craft skills to great advantage when acting as field assistant to researchers investigating bat habitats and behaviour here on Dartmoor.

Jon runs tailor made courses both here in Devon and occasionally in Scotland, for anyone interested in spoon carving and woodcraft skills. Using traditional hand tools, Axe, hook knife and knife, he teaches the techniques for the fast and safe removal of waste wood, shaping and designing. He also teaches how to attain a super sharp cutting edge with the use of Japanese water stones.These skills are key to making anything you wish out of wood.

He is also a knife designer and has had his designs fabricated by top blade smiths.

Jon believes passionately that the skills of both using and maintaining knife and axe blades are ones which need to be shared, in order that we do not loose these important techniques. Jon particularly enjoys sharing these skills with those who have little or no experience of using edge tools.

Tuesday 22 June 2010

The Topshan Art Show....

Oliver Lucas

Carving a Dragon Kuksa.