Teaching at HSAD: Honing the Craft Together

I’m looking forward to an exciting week ahead as I prepare to teach a stone carving course at the Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD). With 13 students signed up, there’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes prep to make sure everything is ready—but I’m doing my best not to overthink it.

Each time I teach, my goal is simple: to offer students the tools, guidance, and space they need to explore stone carving in their own unique way. Stone carving isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a personal process, and I want each student to find their rhythm, their style, and their confidence.

We’ll be working with softer stones, which makes the learning curve more forgiving and the experience more enjoyable—especially for beginners. Alongside that, I’m introducing both traditional and modern tools so students can experiment with what works best for them. My plan? To give them everything they can handle—and a little more.

What I’m most excited about, though, is simply meeting everyone. It takes courage to step into something like stone carving, especially in a fast-paced world that doesn’t often make space for slow, deliberate craft. So to gather with a group of creative minds who are willing to engage, get messy, and try something new—that’s something special.

The setting at HSAD only adds to the experience. Nestled in the beauty of Ontario’s cottage country, the fresh air and peaceful environment help unlock something important in all of us: focus, clarity, and creativity.

I’ll share more once the week wraps up, but for now, I’m just grateful to be part of this tradition. Stone carving isn’t just about shaping stone—it’s about honing yourself along the way. And that’s exactly what I hope to pass on.

Stay tuned for the stories and sculptures that emerge.