Scandinavian Flat Plane Figure Carving
with Charles Banks
Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed
Saturday December 9-Sunday December 10, 10am-4pm (2 sessions)
Ages 16+ 

Join instructor Charles Banks for a “Flat Plane” character carving experience.  In this course, students will use just a knife to carve a Nordic-inspired character in this introduction to the simplified world of “Flat Plane” carving. This experience is open to new carvers as well as carvers with more experience.  Students will be introduced to the history, past and present carvers, a multitude of figure carving options, necessary cuts and finishing techniques all culminating in a finished carving or two. This class does require a modest amount of dexterity and hand strength.

Required Tools: 
Flat/ straight edged carving knife 1 ¾ to 2 inch works well 

Cut resistant glove

Optional Tools:  Carvers are welcome to bring whatever tools they own. 

Blanks are available for purchase from the instructor $10 and up.

Note from Instructor:  This class is modeled after our flat plane mentor Harley Refsal.  We honor his teaching and experiences that will continue to be shared.

Biography
Emerging artist/ woodcarver Charles Banks is a Minnesota-based carver with a passion for the Nordic arts. His area of study for the past twenty years has been Scandinavian Flat Plane figure carving.  A current art educator and lifelong learner, Charles gives his students  hands-on experience including history, influential individuals, a study of individual characters, and character design all culminating in the creation of his student’s own hand-carved characters.  Charles teaches at the John C. Campbell Folk School, The Vesterheim Folk School, Northhouse Folk School the American Swedish Institute and the Milan Village Arts School. His personal message to all students taking classes is,“Thank you for investing in yourself”, “Sloyd time versus screen time” and “Welcome to the Flat Plane Family”!