Sebastian Rasch reviews

1 Sep 17'

Ronald Wild reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a tremendous weekend, blessed by wonderful weather and my own piece of art. The location, off the Sharpness canal towpath, is perfect. Everything you need is provided, one of the best parts is the 'practice stone' which is to hack away at to see how it responds to the tools. No power tools, all work is done by hand. Sebastian is a chilled chap, and instills confidence. I think I'll be back."

17 Aug 17'

Maggie sevenoaks reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Fabulous location, excellent tuition, relaxed atmosphere and good fun all round"

15 Aug 17'

Bahdar Shokar reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A wonderful experience of 2 days in a beautiful setting with a lovely, friendly small group of people. I learned a lot about stone sculpture and about myself in the process. Sebastian was great and his sculptures are inspiring...."

14 Aug 17'

Garry Strudwick reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I just did a weekend stone sculpture course and I'd never done anything like it before. I found it a very good introduction, and in a wonderful setting, if very basic facilities. Sebastian gave good advice to each individual as their projects progressed. A great weekend. I'll definitely do more stone-carving in the future."

10 Aug 17'

zoe avastu reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A perfectly absorbing two days in a beautiful space. The course leader, Sebastian, allowed us time to 'play' before we began our projects which helped to overcome any anxiety we had and give us time to become familiar with the stone & tools. All abilities were catered for and Sebastian guided each person skillfully. He was relaxed, positive and sensitive to the needs of individuals in the group. The group was small (seven) and so we enjoyed finding out about each other over tea/lunch as well as enjoying the stillness that focused work engenders. I unreservedly recommend the course to young and old, to those with an artistic background and to those who feel they have little creativity. Everyone in our group created an amazing sculpture to take home-all very different from each other. Lots of relaxed, proud faces at the end of the day."

8 Aug 17'

Janey Dilliway reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I've just had 2 of the happiest days I can remember, stone carving (first time ever) by the banks of the river Severn. Who knew?! I was thoroughly absorbed in the whole process and delighted with my finished piece. Sebastion is on hand to guide and instruct and offer gentle encouragement. He also knows exactly the right time to put the kettle on. I really recommend this course and the location is an added treat."

9 Jul 17'

Jai Jacka reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course is held in a truly unique and wonderfully peaceful location which obviates distraction and is conducive to creating. The small class size meant I had a good deal of one-to-one instruction as I progressed with my work piece and Sebastian was always available to offer good direction and guidance. After short introductions we got briefed on stone-carving tools, their uses and had a go at using them on a test piece of stone. Once confident, you could progress onto your own design and Sebastian was always on hand to guide you through the process, demonstrate techniques and provide encouragement. The two-day course allows plenty of time to get a good sized piece completed and it's a good idea to have a design in mind (or 3D model) before you arrive. There was no pressure and you progressed at your own pace. Tea breaks were at your own discretion and tea/coffee were provided. You bring your own lunch but the course sat down together which allowed time to discuss progress, techniques and get to know your fellow students. I really enjoyed the course, meeting our excellent instructor Sebastian and visiting his unique workshop. Whilst I didn't create a masterpiece I got a great deal of satisfaction from the course, met new friends and now have a real enthusiasm for stone carving which I hope to build upon in the future either on my own but most likely, returning for more sessions under Sebastian's instruction. If you've got an interest in stone carving I would strongly recommend you contact Sebastian and get on one of his courses. Great location, excellent instructor, great course!"

7 Jul 17'

Ben Clay reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The "hack away at a practice stone" was a great way to start without feeling concerned about diving straight into the creation of the (ahem) masterpiece to take home. One piece of advice: go with some idea(s) of what you want to create. Make sketches. I went with a complex idea for a sculpture in my head - far too ambitious! "What's your name and where are you from?" session could have been a little shorter. Not a serious problem and there is no button for 4.9 stars. It was a great two days switching off."

4 Jul 17'

Emma Somerville reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A brilliant immersive introduction to stone sculpting. Sebastian is helpful, knows such a lot and gave just the right amount of guidance. The setting is idyllic and we had gorgeous weather. It was a super weekend which I would thoroughly recommend."

3 Jul 17'

Martin Grasby reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Returned for another 2 days exploring my 'hidden talent.' Told in my school art class I had no artistic ability. Taken many years & finding this course to discover it is not true. Sebastian is encouraging to all to find what's waiting to be revealed in their stone. On all the courses I've attended with him, no one has left without creating something they're rightly very pleased with. Always great group of people too."

3 Jul 17'

Phil Summers reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A glorious time in the Gloucestershire countryside with two full days of carving. Although there was a very pleasant introductory group 'get to know you' session, Sebastian didn't waste any time in letting us get hold of the tools and start engaging with the process. A test piece of stone was given to each, the tools were briefly explained and off we went. A really good way of learning, freedom to experiment and plenty of encouragement. It was as we went along Sebastian would share various comment and instruction. When we felt ready we shared our basic ideas with Sebastian, he found us an appropriate stone, and our work began. Two full days chipping away in the sun and shade. Completely addictive, a change and a challenge. Highly recommended."

25 Apr 17'

Helen reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed this 2-day course. Sebastian is a great instructor and the setting is lovely. I had no experience of stone sculpting or anything really artistic prior to the weekend, and I was amazed at what I and the other participants were able to create. After an initial overview we were given the tools and encouraged to try things out - first on some practice pieces and then we started work on our own sculptures, with Sebastian always available to answer questions or suggest next steps if we needed help. Overall a lovely relaxed weekend and I hope to be able to try some more sculpting at home now I know some of the basics."

25 Apr 17'

Katie Murison reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"It was a great course in lovely surroundings. Sebastian was a very good and encouraging teacher. I learned so much about using tools and stone and was really pleased with what I was able to produce in just two days."

25 Apr 17'

John Rutter reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I arrived at Sebastian's rustic workshop convinced that I had no artistic ability whatsoever and left two days later with my own little "masterpiece" and a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Sebastian is wonderfully relaxed and as a result the course is too - there is no pressure, no rushing, everyone progressing at their own pace under the watchful eye of Sebastian who is ever ready to offer assistance and advice. I left on the Sunday evening not only with my own personal sculpture but with some very happy memories too, not only of the work and techniques but of Sebastian and the others on my course - we arrived as strangers and left as friends. I would heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a new challenge to fill up a spare weekend."

25 Apr 17'

Kathryn Buxton reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A really great day in lovely surroundings. Amazed that I came away with something finished and half decent too! Sebastian is a lovely, gentle teacher who lets you get on and quietly gives suggestions on what to do. Just the creative buzz is been looking for."

25 Apr 17'

Andy Newton reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A truly excellent weekend. I was given this course as a 70th birthday present, as my wife was aware I had been interested in stone carving in the past. I would not have believed I could produce so much in just 2 days - and seriously good value for money"

25 Apr 17'

Kathryn Buxton reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I spent a wonderful two days in a beautiful spot carving out a tree of life from Cotswold stone. I was amazed at what I could produce in such a short space of time and it was just the creative experience I'd been craving. Sebastian is a kind and gentle teacher, encouraging us to have a go and offering suggestions on what to do next. Can't recommend it highly enough! Ps my friends loved what I'd carved and now they want a sculpture for their gardens too... so I'm taking it up as a hobby now !"

4 Apr 17'

Adam reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"An excellent weekend, Sebastian really has enthusiasm for the craft and eagerly helps you with the design of your sculpture. Couldn't be happier with the final result and the course in full. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in sculpting."

29 Mar 17'

Huw Traylor reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is a great teacher, allowing the students to develop their own project ideas and steering them towards a successful result with advice and encouragement. The course is in beautiful surroundings and was a total joy!"

28 Mar 17'

Ingvild reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a great way to spend a weekend! The location is lovely and the course is relaxing, fun and challenging all in one. Sebastian draws from his background in various creative/artistic endeavours (especially in wood; making cabinets and violins) in his approach to stone sculpting, which is very interesting and inspiring. His teaching method is less heavy on theory and more about experimenting and learning as you go along. He knows when to let you graft and get on with it, and when to step in and offer advice on tools and methods. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, and after the first day you really look forward to the next one. At the end of the course, we all left with pieces we were chuffed with, smiles and good memories. The small size of the group (we were seven) is perfect, allowing enough room for the required one-to-one tutoring as well as some good banter. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to try out some new creative skills."

28 Mar 17'

Jane Roberts reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed this stone sculpting weekend. The setting is idyllic right between the canal and the river Severn with beautiful views on both sides. Seb holds it in his cosy eco workshop and summer houses that he self-built which adds to the charm and uniqueness of it, although we worked outside most of the time. And in the end, we each came away with an individually designed sculpture, thanks to Sebs tutoring skills and the great choice of shapes and sizes of stone he has in the workshop."

20 Mar 17'

Keira & Barbara reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I bought this as a christmas present for my mum as she had always wanted to try stone sculpting. Sebastian was a great tutor, he was extremely knowledgeable and is a very gifted artist. We were given a thorough introduction on the different tools and then allowed to practice before starting our own project. Sebastian was very patient and provided help/feedback where needed yet still allowed you to be in control of your creation. A friendly and relaxed work environment"

20 Mar 17'

Nikki reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I loved this course. Not only is it a wonderful feeling to create something , it is also an opportunity to totally switch off . Will definitely be coming back for more. Thank you."

19 Mar 17'

Diane Zeitzen reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Thoroughly recommend this stone carving weekend. It was great fun and amazing what we all managed to produce. Out of a workshop of 6 only 1 of us had done any stone carving previously and that was on an earlier course of Sebastian's."

23 Feb 17'

stuart Reekie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I very much enjoyed the course. Sebastian was very helpful without being overbearing and we were straight into sculpting without the waffle. I was surprised at what I achieved in the two days. Best have an idea to work towards and even better a clay model of what you want to produce."