Nora Hall classes Opinions please
I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall.
I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks. |
What you have seen, is what you will get. Just sneak a look at one of her
videos. |
Are you from the detroit area? Nora recently moved there I
think. I took a day long class with her at the Woodcraft store in maybe Canton MI. Like you, her style is not my style. She spent much time on basic technique which was very helpful and informative. The things that I learned from her are easily transferable to any type of carving you might do...after all it is all basic chisel and mallet work. The best part of the class was Nora Hall herself. She is wise, funny and delightful. I learned a lot and enjoyed the class immensely. John |
Brent Beal wrote:
What you have seen, is what you will get. Just sneak a look at one of her videos. Can be found he http://norahall.com/video1.shtml I have her two first videos on DVD. Good stuff. JES |
TomL wrote in news:ltr5j1d2bbf5pvc692s77pc86iopjk2j6q@
4ax.com: I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall. I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks. I've never taken a class from Nora Hall, but I have done some research on her videos, type of carving taught and methods. If you are looking to carve architectural detail on furniture then I would consider taking her classes. If it's woodspirits you want, then I would look for classes that are cheaper than her 4 day sessions. Why not contact her and ask her if your expectations from taking her classes will be fulfilled? Wannabe |
On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote:
I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall. I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks. Thanks Brent and Jan for the video tip. Watched and enjoyed it. John, thanks for the input on your class experience. Wannabe, I did just that. Gave her a call and discussed my expectations and trepidations. She was very straightforward inasmuch as what I could expect. One of my concerns is that I don't own a set of carving tools. All that I've done up to this point has been done with a carving knife. She explained that there would be a set of tools which I could borrow for the classes. I've decided to take the plunge. The only downside is the cost. The classes are not inexpensive but I'm certain I'll walk out with a lot more knowledge and ability than when I walk in. Thanks again guys for your comments. By the way, aside from their lofty price tags, what are your opinions of the Dastra carving tools that Nora uses and recommends? |
The Dastra tools are good as are many other brands. I kind
of piddle around at carving and find Flex-cut chisels to be quite nice. I also bought some Chinese chisels from Woodcarverssupply.com, stock number 401002 and 401001. They are not like fine german or Austrian chisels but I find they hold an edge well and have interesting rustic/primitive quality that I kind of like. Their price is kind as well |
TomL wrote in news:f94mj152nieptu79btbfmetct35ve3jep6@
4ax.com: On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote: I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall. I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks. Thanks Brent and Jan for the video tip. Watched and enjoyed it. John, thanks for the input on your class experience. Wannabe, I did just that. Gave her a call and discussed my expectations and trepidations. She was very straightforward inasmuch as what I could expect. One of my concerns is that I don't own a set of carving tools. All that I've done up to this point has been done with a carving knife. She explained that there would be a set of tools which I could borrow for the classes. I've decided to take the plunge. The only downside is the cost. The classes are not inexpensive but I'm certain I'll walk out with a lot more knowledge and ability than when I walk in. Thanks again guys for your comments. By the way, aside from their lofty price tags, what are your opinions of the Dastra carving tools that Nora uses and recommends? Dastra tools in general are good tools, not sure about how their price compares to say Swiss or Stubai, which BTW I think (Stubai)are not only over rated but over priced big time. My choice is Henry Taylor not sure wether they come sharpened and honed to perfection from the factory now, this was their only drawback when comparing them to say the Swiss (Pfeil) for some people previously. If you are going to follow Hall's suggestions and guidance in your carving career for any extended length of time, I say use what she suggests just because she is your teacher...and teacher knows best.(BG) Good luck in your carving endeavour, I don't think you will ever be disappointed in your choice of a pastime.(G) Wannabe. |
Wannabe wrote in message ... TomL wrote in news:f94mj152nieptu79btbfmetct35ve3jep6@ 4ax.com: On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote: compares to say Swiss or Stubai, which BTW I think (Stubai)are not only over rated but over priced big time. My choice is Henry Taylor not sure wether they come sharpened and honed to perfection from the factory now, this was their only drawback when comparing them to say the Swiss (Pfeil) for some people previously. If you are going to follow Hall's suggestions and guidance in your carving career for any extended length of time, I say use what she suggests just because she is your teacher...and teacher knows best.(BG) Good luck in your carving endeavour, I don't think you will ever be disappointed in your choice of a pastime.(G) Wannabe. If have purchased most every type of carving tool out there. The Swiss brand have to be the best to open and use straight from the box. Since Woodcraft has the sole distributorship in the US, they can control the prices somewhat. Might hook up with a Canadian vendor with a better price ( would take some searching). The Swiss do have one drawback that I have found.... they will rust quicker????? The Taylor brand, the Stubai brand and the Lamp brand all seem to not rust at all or as quick as the Swiss. I know, I have tried everything to prevent the rust but this humid area is no help with that. Good luck and keep the fingers out of the way of the cutting edge. |
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