Sculptor John Davey reviews

Karen Swain reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I gave this experience to my husband for his Christmas gift ( he is a builder- retired). He would recommend the day 100% and had such a good time. John was so good, he it patient and encouraging. If the day was out of five stars he would give him six! We now have a beautifully carved Portland stone dove. Thank you John"

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks Karen, Arthur. It was a great day passing on my love of stone carving. Its quite exiting to see how my students progress in their skills and watching the sculptures evolve towards their finish. Well done Arthur, great work. Take care John."

Graham Lant reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"John is an excellent instructor, he is passionate about his skills, everything provided and wonderful location. I took my own design and John was as excited as I was about bring the stone to life. Throughly recommend and will attend the expert course."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks for that Graham. I really enjoyed myself as well. Looking forward to meeting you again to hone your stone carving skills. Great sculpture well done you. Do send me a photo of your work when its washed and in place. Take care John."

Jane Jeans & Sue Fudge reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"A thoroughly enjoyable, inspirational, friendly, relaxed and yet so well organised course with everything you needed provided. John is an excellent tutor. Sue and I have attended a lot of art and craft courses over the years and this is right up there as one of the very best. Complete novices with regards to Stone carving yet we came home with pieces we were proud of. Thank you John, we’ll be back!"

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks Jane, Sue the pleasure was all mine. You were both very good students, really enjoyed your company and energy, all creating a very enjoyable group dynamic. I,m both proud and humble to pass on my passion. Hope to see you soon. John."

Hester and Mike Henebury reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"A brilliant day at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey, 'having a go' at stone carving for the first time. John was an excellent tutor - very patient, very skilled and knowledgeable. He explained things in simple terms and was incredibly encouraging. We both had a wonderful day and left with our own personal creations, which was most satisfying."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"The pleasure was all mine Hester, Mike. You both carved some fantastic sculptures. I really enjoy seeing new sculptors discover the craft of stone carving. Passing on my love of stone."

Beki Murphy reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"John is a great tutor. I learnt so much from our one day course at Sculptures by the Lake. He was very patient, taking us through the processes we would require. I am v. pleased with my finished piece. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable course and I would definitely recommend."

Tony reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I had never done anything like this before (I may be a scientist and psychologist, definitely not an artist!) but I loved my taster workshop and being able to discover the curled up cat sleeping a few millimetres below the surface of a beautiful piece of Portland stone: a revelation to passer-bys, viewers, and a miracle to me! John is a great teacher! Thank you! …. and I shall come back next birthday if I may …."

Kate Adcock reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Really enjoyed the day course I did with John at White Stones on Portland recently. Excellent, highly skilled teacher in a relaxed environment. Pleased with my results and would take another course in the future."

Jane Plant reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I tried stone carving for the first time with John Davey last Summer. I was a complete novice and apprehensive but every step of the way John offered advice and encouragement. His skill is amazing both as a mason and a teacher. I would recommend him to everyone as a brilliant introduction to this art. Also ask to see his portfolio as all his work is inspirational!"

Gerard reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I spent a fantastic day learning to carve Portland Stone with John. I was really surprised at what I accomplished as a complete beginner. An amazing Celtic Knotwork relief carving. Which I proudly display on my mantelpiece. John passed on his passion and love of stone carving with great skill and patience. I'm hooked!"

Matt reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"A great patient teacher, who passed on his knowledge of the tools used and type of stone to be carved, anyone can easily carve under johns instructions, a great way to spend a morning, well recommended"

Jill nicholas reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I have now done two of John’s courses and booked a third! A very relaxing way to learn a new skill with an end product to take home. Definitely something to be recommended."

Francis Burns reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"John is a fantastic artist and an exceptional teacher. He seems to really understand YOU, as an individual, and to give you exactly what you need to achieve your goals. Nothing is rushed -- everything is paced beautifully. Nothing is skipped -- you get all the knowledge and skill you need to get the results. And not only do you come away with a sense of accomplishment in the art you have created, more importantly, you also come away with an unshakeable CERTAINTY in the new set of skills you have acquired and the feeling that doors have opened into a whole new world of creativity. I highly recommend this workshop to all -- EVERYONE can benefit from this."

Jane Ayles reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I had a great day last summer on John's beginners carving course. John is a very patient and experienced tutor, explaining the various techniques to enable me to produce my first carving (which I got to take home). Thoroughly enjoyed it, give it a go and unlock your inner creativity!!"

Martin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I did a workshop mid-June in Weymouth and really enjoyed it. The workstation was laid out well for easy usage. John was inspirational and very helpful as this was my first time. I brought home a piece of work that I’m very proud of and my wife loves. This course is definitely worth doing and is worthwhile”."

Brenda reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I recently did a workshop with John, it was an amazing experience, John was so patient, and explained things in laymen terms. After two hours of chipping and Johns expert help I walked away with a beautiful yacht set in Portland stone. I can honestly say it’s probably one of the things I am most proud of. I defiantly will be going to another of Johns workshops."

Pipa reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Having never done anything like this before, I was full of trepidation but Jonh was great. I learned so much, I went from beginner to smug in just a few hours. John gave me the tools to crest a satisfying carving. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you."

Mark J James reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"A brilliant hands-on introduction to stone carving from a very talented teacher. The small classes and the individual tuition John brings to the course, allows you to express your inner self through the ancient art of stone carving. Highly recommended for the absolute beginner or someone who wants to develop a little further!"

Susan Stow reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I really enjoyed my Beginners' Stone Carving Workshops and am now the proud owner of three Portland stone carvings in my garden. John is a gifted and patient teacher who adapts his teaching to the skill level of his students. If you are interested in trying stone carving, I would thoroughly recommend John's workshops,"