The Northwest Stone Sculptors Association sponsored an “Understanding Sculpture” workshop on Orcas Island and San Juan Island. The class consisted of mostly stone sculptors and was led by Professor Herbert George of Chicago. Professor George’s book “The Elements of Sculpture” formed the basis for initial discussions and a site visit.

The workshop began Friday evening with a fun meet & greet at a sculptor’s beautiful modern home overlooking Eastsound on Orcas Island. Good food & drink, great people, and interesting conversation. The host provided an informative tour of his own sculptures and garden. The party set the right mood for the long class the next day.

On Saturday, we convened at the Eastsound public library. Professor George began with open Q&A about his book and its concepts. This led to wide ranging discussions that flowed from what is important in sculpture to current buying tastes among art patrons, and much more. There was also a historical overview of the development of abstract sculpture, key artists of note, installations in various locations around the world, and discussion of specific example pieces.

On Sunday, we traveled over to San Juan Island and visited the fun San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. This park is one of the three outdoor sculpture parks which initially inspired the idea of creating Price Sculpture Forest. At the SJISP, we toured around and focused primarily on stone sculpture (because of the audience). Herbert George gave his impressions, students gave theirs, and then everyone had some healthy discussion. There was more sculpture and content than time!

NWSSA Understanding Sculpture workshop at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park in Roche Harbor

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park in Roche Harbor