Ear by Benjamin Heller
TALISMAN STONE CARVING WORKSHOP
I’m opening my studio and elements of my creative process for an active stone carving workshop.
It’s an opportunity to create in community, and immerse yourself in the process of transforming a stone into a personal talisman that can be held in the hands or worn on the body.
I have a special collection of stones for carving, from colorful soapstone, alabaster, and pipestone, to different varieties of marble and onyx. They can be worked both by hand or with power tools.
As well as carving, we will warm up with some movement as a way of activating the imagination, and connecting our own bodies resonance with the sensitizing and dimensional nature of sculpture. The internal images you access will guide your process, whether they are figurative, symbolic, or abstract.
The class will be a small, intimate group of up to six people at my studio in Brooklyn.
Once we get started with some general instruction, I will work with you individually to craft your Talisman from wherever you are skill wise. No prior experience is necessary to take the workshop.
The two day workshop is $285, which includes all tools and materials.
*If you prefer you to workshop over two weekends, you can request to take day 2 the following week.
Day 2 is open work time. Once you have taken the workshop, can also signup to come in for a work day.
++ If you are a creative human experiencing hardship, but would still like to take the workshop, get in touch.
If you have any other questions, or would like to suggest a future workshop date, please feel free to reach out.
Sigil by Noura Ismaeli
LOCATION:
Benjamin Heller Art Studio
1013 Grand Street, Suite 517, Brooklyn, NY 11211
East Williamsburg Brooklyn at the corner of Morgan and Grand street.
Subway take L to Grand or Graham stop.
Email me or call if you have any questions at benjaminhellerart@gmail.com or 6462216059
WHAT TO BRING:
Wear or bring clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet or dirty.
Headphones if you want to tune out while you work.
(Normal ear protection and PPE will be available)Most importantly, your Curiosity, Creativity, Hands, and Heart
>>FAQ + FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cloud by Benjamin Heller
MORE ABOUT TALISMAN
For years I have been carving meditative objects and personal talisman. It is one of the deep roots of my practice that I often turn to in times of change, a way to re-connect with a desire from my own center, and as gifts to share connection with friends and loved ones. It is practice that tunes into the body, and grounds the deeper desires and intentions of how I want to be in the world.
Historically, a Talisman is any object ascribed with spiritual, religious, or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or guide the individuals for whom they are made. Talismans are often portable objects carried on someone or worn in a variety of ways, but can also be installed permanently in architecture.
The word talisman comes from French talisman, via Arabic ṭilasm (طِلَسْم, plural طلاسم ṭalāsim), derived from ancient Greek telesma (τέλεσμα), and the verb teleō (τελέω), "I complete, perform a rite”. [wiki]
I’ve felt called in these shifting times, to share the practice of this work with others. I’m offering this workshop as a way to gather people together in community, and also because I think that the hands-on and embodied process of engaging with creativity is just as important as the object that is created. I find so much of the meaning in the making. It is an empowering experience to find out how a material as hard and seemingly immovable as stone, can be shaped into something soft and sensual.
To work with stone, is to work with elemental earth and deep time. I find that as I transform the material, it transforms me.
PHOTOS FROM THE WORKSHOP
