Visit by Sculptor Michael Disley, February 2013

On Tuesday, 12 February 2013, the Art & Design Department were privileged to receive a visit from sculptor Michael Disley, who conducted a stone carving workshop with 20 of the Middle and Senior School Art & Design pupils.

Michael’s 3 ‘Tree’ sculptures are installed at the new Bangor Aurora Leisure Complex.

Michael provided the girls with limestone slabs on which to engrave their designs: beforehand, each pupil prepared for the workshop by creating a 30cm square drawing which linked into their art portfolios.

After Michael demonstrated the correct use of each tool and the engraving process, the girls put on their safety goggles and began to carve out their designs using point and tooth chisels and mallets on the soft limestone slabs.

A few hours later, each pupil had produced a carving; all were then photographed and, at present, the Art Department are considering proposals for how to integrate the pupils’ work into an outdoor free standing sculpture.

It was an exciting, educational and inspiring day for all involved in the workshop!

Our thanks go to Michael for giving the pupils his time and expertise and to Wendy Williams of North Down Borough Council for organising the visit.

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