Carved Wood Design reviews

22 Aug 23'

Tonya Herron reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"Well worth the cost of learning from a true master, and finishing with a lovely piece of carving I can be proud of. Thank you for your patience Gareth."

11 Feb 23'

Kevan Hall reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I had a fantastic day with Gareth, as a complete beginner in woodcarving it is a real privilege to have a whole day of 1-2-1 tuition and wide ranging conversation from a real artist and a patient teacher. Seeing into the home he is rebuilding in his own image alone was worth the 4 hour drive. He promised we would get into the zone and I really did, the sense of mindfulness stayed with me for hours afterwards. Thanks Gareth"

4 Sep 22'

Janie reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"What an extraordinarily wonderful day - thank you Gareth. It was intense, fascinating and exhilarating (occasionally mortifying!!) but it has raised my self-confidence so I'm able to do it on my own. I have decades of learning ahead, and Gareth's meticulous tuition has really set me off down the track. What a great day - fabulous! Thank you again - beyond happy! "

24 Sep 21'

Nick Treble reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"As birthday presents my cousin and I were treated to the training day by our wives as we are both interested in woodwork but had no previous carving experience. No really knowing exactly what to expect we were both delighted with the day's training provided. Gareth is clearly in a league of his own as and sculptor, artist and trainer. As a retired surgeon I was particularly impressed to find Gareth's house strewn with anatomy books which, as did the old masters, he used to understand the underlying structures before producing the most amazing anatomically accurate pieces of art. The training we received was thorough as well as clearly and patiently conveyed. We were both proud to present really quite acceptable works to our wives which we had, to a large extent, carved ourselves. I would without hesitation recommend this day to anyone who wishes to take up, or indeed improve their, wood carving"

28 Sep 20'

Trisha Nicholson reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I attended the course with Gareth on a 1-1 basis. Having read the reviews, I was hoping that what I read was not over exaggerated but can honestly say that the course surpassed my expectations. Gareth's knowledge of carving is extraordinary and he is not at all a "showman" in his manor. What a wonderful course in a wonderful setting. Thank you Gareth for helping me to think outside the box, for guiding me on techniques and for helping me to re-ignite my dormant passion, but most of all, for making the day a truly memorable experience."

6 Sep 20'

David reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I had a fantastic day with Gareth learning the principles of wood carving and came away at the end of the day with the confidence to explore and tackle the ideas that I have racing around in my head. The setting of the course out in the county has a very relaxing affect making the day more enjoyable. Gareth’s house and his work that he has done is amazing. Truly a memorable day and highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn or improve a beautiful skill"

7 Nov 19'

Anne Granby reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"Gareth was absolutely lovely, he re-organised his busy schedule at short notice so that I could have this course on my birthday. I am very grateful for that, it was the best birthday I have ever had. Everyone has been impressed with the carving I came home with. I have never carved before but now I feel I can go ahead and just play with wood. His home is unique, it was a bit like being in a hobbit house, it was a magical day away from civilisation, tuning in to nature. Gareth was so interesting to talk to about all-sorts of topics. I came back from that day so happy and calm, thank you so much Gareth, Anne"

28 Oct 19'

John Forbes reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"It's difficult to know what to say without repeating all the other reviewers! As someone who is relatively unartistic (but married to an artist), I had thought of woodcarving as being more woodwork then art. However, I learned from my day with Gareth that woodcarving is very definitely art! Gareth emphasised form and movement and freedom and composition as well as teaching the hand skills necessary to create a beautiful piece of wooden art. I thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill and being coaxed and encouraged to engage the left side of my brain. Gareth is quite unique; he thinks for himself and expresses himself beautifully through his work and through his word. Through conversation, we touched on a number of fascinating subjects which were outside my normal 'field of vision' but were complementary to art in its widest form. I especially admired some of his work which was on display - from full-size life drawings to stone sculpting. I also liked and admired his beautiful bespoke furniture; he is a craftsman and artist of the highest order. Thank you, Gareth for a fascinating day."

20 Aug 19'

Sarah James reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I bought this wood carving day as a present for my mum who has always loved wood sculptures and was keen to learn some carving skills herself. Gareth was brilliant to spend the day with. Patient and enthusiastic, he made learning fun and explained everything very simply so we both created gorgeous leaf carvings and had a really enjoyable day. Both bitten by the carving bug now! The house is filled with beautiful sculptures and furniture in wood and marble which added to the relaxing pastime and made the experience just perfect!"

19 Aug 19'

Steven Kwong reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"An excellent day of thinking outside the box to have the creative mindset before delving into the wood carving lessons. We talked nearly non-stop and pondered over the many philosophical topics all of which helped towards the journey of a creative thinking process. My grateful thanks to Gareth who gave such a warm wonderful welcome and enlightening moments and for his teaching guidance. I learnt a great deal and will be carrying on to start on my own journey to wood carving, life drawing and become a better observer. Gareth’s house in the rural settings is a wonderful place . For me, It’s a step back in time before all computers have intrude into every aspect of modern lives. His art sculptures and art works are just simply delightful and uplifting and vibrant but sends a serious message us all to look after and treasure our planet and nature herself. Mr Jones is simply an amazing teacher and an extraordinary craftsman."

21 Jul 19'

Ian reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"Gareth is “as mad as a box of frogs”! Like a box of frogs, he is fascinating, pleasing, natural, constantly in motion and bright green (well not that last one..). He is a unique individual with a true passion for teasing art, emotion and life-like movement out of wood and stone and other inanimate things like you and I. I had the privilege of spending several days with Gareth and tackling a more complex project which I have brought home to complete. It strikes me I have probably packed months of experience in what we christened “co-carving” where Gareth would demonstrate, I would try to repeat, he would adjust/fix and so on until I found I was actually producing results that were very (very) pleasing. I can thoroughly recommend Gareth, his amazing house, his very tasty cooking and even his choice of biscuits to you. Bring a Sat-Nav and enjoy your journey to middle-earth, once you are there you’ll realise it was worth the effort."

8 Jul 19'

L and D Ryder reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"D: This was great; I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot of techniques. The workshop has helped me understand art in a different way. It improved my own woodwork and drawing skills significantly. I really recommend it! [L: I got the full-day woodcarving workshop with Gareth as a present for my husband (‘D’). He’s been interested in whittling and woodwork for some time, but is still a beginner and looking to learn more. He had a fantastic time, learned a lot, came home excited to do more, and was extremely proud of the carving he made!]"

1 Jul 19'

Andy reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"An incredible and magical day. I came with only a little whittling experience but Gareth made me feel very relaxed and opened my eyes to the world of wood carving and sculpture. We had some really interesting conversations and the whole day tapped into a creative resource I never knew was within me. My creative taste buds are now alive and I'm looking at various ways to express my innate creativity. What's more, Gareth's home is a real gem and looks like something out of Lord of the Rings! The baroque/gothic furnishings remind me of Harry Potter/Edward Scissorhands... truly amazing! I was also fed with a delicious stew of organic vegetables, beans and lentils. All this set in the quietude of the most fabulous English countryside."

8 Jun 19'

Guy Davis reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I had a great day with Gareth at his remote farmhouse. I found him a excellent teacher and came away with a relief carving of vine leaves in lime wood. Lunch was also excellent."

14 Apr 19'

Cheryl Greenwood reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I was initially attracted to this workshop after seeing Gareth’s work in a sculpture gallery in London, and then discovering he held carving workshops. I’ve always considered myself creative and I’ve painted in the past, whilst my husband on the other hand is a non-creative who fortunately, and somewhat reluctantly agreed to join me for a little moral support. Upon arrival we had a good look around the farm at some of Gareth’s work, which really inspired us to pick up mallet and chisel and have a go ourselves. Before long (after basic initial instruction) we were both carving away at a simple relief in cherry wood, and loving the creative process. By the end of the day I just managed to finish my relief, although my husband's wasn’t complete, and that might be something to do with the fact that he spent some of his time in the meadow watching a pair of hunting barn owls. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in sculpture and learning how to carve, with the added bonus of a beautiful location with plenty of wildlife. Gareth is very friendly, affable, accommodating and his work is quite beautiful. I will be back in the future for some stone sculpture tuition. Highly recommended."

9 Apr 19'

Victoria Whittell reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I must say I was filled with fear and trepidation at the thought of attempting an art form that has long intrigued and fascinated me. I always assumed carving and sculpture required great strength, and as a petite woman I was slightly nervous to say the least. Fortunately, all my fears were allayed upon meeting Gareth, who has a relaxed, quirky personality and immediately made me feel very welcome. Gareth first taught me the principles of relief carving, and how this is always the precursor to sculpture in the round. Before long (with the help of Gareth) I was carving my first relief and although I broke my first leaf, Gareth taught me how to reform the shape by going deeper into the block. By the end of the day I felt so proud of having carved my first relief in wood. The tuition was intense, as you would expect with one to one, but at the same time enjoyable and inspiring. The sculpture studio is set in a beautiful, tranquil location and my abiding memory was being taught the six keys to release creativity whilst listening to the sweet melodious sounds of a song thrush. A truly wonderful day, and I will definitely be returning for more sculpture tuition."