Visiting Artist Workshops

Registration is open!

Jean-François Escoulen Signature Workshop

September 20-22, 2024 or September 23-25, 2024

Description: In this signature workshop participants will cover a variety of traditional and contemporary French turning techniques. Students will start by working on turning thin and delicate pieces thinking about shapes and form. The bedan will be introduced, a tool that allows you to efficiently create convex shapes in spindle turning. String steadies will also be used to turn long and thin piece, an approach to the “trembleur”, a traditional French masterpiece. Then using only the spindle gouge, and after several exercises to learn the basics, students will create multi-axis work between centers (candle holders, bottle opener, table legs, artistic pieces, etc.) Finally, use of the Escoulen chuck will be covered, another approach to multi-axis. The chuck can be used to create original and unique objects such as boxes, spoons and more! 

About Jean-François: Jean-François was born on a heap of wood shavings and learned woodturning from his father, a master craftsman. At the age of 16, he obtained his first degree in woodturning. In 1987, he was one of the first craftsmen to open his workshop to teach woodturning to professionals and amateurs. He has developed a technique and 2 specific chucks for turning off-center. His work is a constant exploration of how to defy the laws of  balance. He also teaches, demonstrates, and exhibits worldwide. In 2012, Jean-François opened an international woodturning school in the south of France.

Jacques Vesery Form and Design Workshop

October 1-3, 2024 or October 4-6, 2024

Description:  Technique is often a distraction to the importance of “Good Form”.  Methods to create better form can be a difficult step in evolving our work to the next level. In this class, design elements for success will be demonstrated, practiced and discussed each day, with great enfaces on scale and proportion to create a better aesthetic.  In depth lectures discussing comparison  of design components before and after turning, including form, balance, and proportions along with the golden mean and geometry of design will be practiced each day to refine every turned object.

Three Key Takeaways:

• First, “sketch in three dimensions” by turning multiple variations of favorite forms such as bowls and vases.
• Second, refine their designs with the benefit of group discussion and critique, giving consideration to design elements such as scale, form, balance, and proportion.
• Third, intensify the visual impact of their designs by integrating surface ornamentation such as texture, pattern, carving, and color, applied with power carvers, rotary tools, burners, and other methods of aesthetic enhancement that Jacques shares from his extensive repertoire.

About Jacques: Jacques Vesery is an Artist/ Sculptor from Damariscotta and has lived in Maine for over 25 years. Striving to create an illusion of reality, his vision and inspiration begins with repetitive patterns derived from the ‘golden mean’ or ‘divine proportions’. The marriage of pattern, form and proportion conveys a sense of growth from within each of his pieces. His work is in numerous public and private collections and Jacques has lectured on design and concepts within his work in France, Italy, Turkey, China, England, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Nepal, Cambodia and 28 US states.