In 1904, five dragon-like animal headposts were excavated from the Oseberg Viking ship grave. Dating from 800 A.D., these exquisite carvings with their bared teeth, long necks and elaborate relief carving are iconic works and demonstrate some of the highest levels of art and woodcarving skill seen throughout the world. Students will carve a slightly smaller version of one of the originals. While most of the course will concentrate on forming the basic shape of the neck, head, ears, and eyes, there will also be instruction and practice on the “diamond” cuts found on the head and neck. The instructor has worked extensively on historical sites in Norway, including the Oseberg replica, the Borgund Stave Church and the Viking Ship Museum. He will share images and stories from experiences and offer a variety of demonstrations throughout the course.

Students should have an understanding of grain direction, know how to use gouges and chisels, how to sharpen them, and be familiar with three-dimensional carving.

You will need the following tools for this class:

• Variety of gouges ranging from #2 - #8 sweep and from 5-25mm wide. One does not needs to have all, just a variety. NOTE: the instructor will have some tools to borrow.
• Wide chisel and/or skew chisel
• straight knife
• Leather strop
• Eraser and pencils (.05 mechanical pencil with 2B lead)
• Mallet
• Flexible, see-thru ruler
• Personal sharpening materials
• Bottoming tools

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.

• Low angle plane
• spokeshave
• carving vise