Sebastian Rasch reviews

15 Oct 17'

Elaine reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great weekend. Sebastian was really helpful and helped me create something I was really pleased with. Beautiful surroundings, plenty of tools and lots of tea!"

22 Sep 17'

Catherine Stuart reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was such a good stone carving course run by the very interesting and lovely Sebastian who has a very calm approach to teaching - gently guiding and encouraging everyone. Our daughter had bought one of Sebastian's stone carving courses for my husband's birthday and he spent a wonderful 2 days in sunny April (2017) on the course in Saul and afterwards he just could not stop telling everyone how much he had enjoyed it...so our daughter bought one of Sebastian's courses for my birthday too. I normally sculpt in clay or wax and so used Sebastian's course to understand the possibilities and some of the techniques in stone carving. Sebastian had some very interesting tools, some found on his travels in Africa..which were amazing. Everyone on the course managed to complete a sculpture in just two days!! The two day course in Bentham (Cheltenham) was hard work, very messy, great fun, with very nice people - in a truly beautiful setting next to a field of sheep looking onto Birdlip escarpment on one side and a fenced off area with wonderful geese !! and chickens on the other. I also loved the compost loo!! We should all have one. As it is the UK and September (2017) we had amazing sunshine, a little bit of rain, then cold but bright weather and then very hot sun. We sculpted out side, which was wonderful and just put on more layers or took them off as needed and did not need to go inside at all. I think everyone should do some sort of art course at least once at some point in their life as art is so liberating and such fun and Sebastian's stone carving course gets five stars from me. Catherine."

18 Sep 17'

Rachael Kidd reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had a fantastic weekend. The whole set-up is perfect for two days. Sebastian has got the balance just right; enabling a relaxed but highly productive atmosphere! I learnt so much but never felt overwhelmed. We were all very different students, with different approaches and confidence levels. Sebastian adapted to each of our needs very quickly and we all flourished. I will be doing this course again for sure. The setting is also beautiful."

18 Sep 17'

Mike Baker reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had done no stone carving before, but found I was able to produce a piece that I was really quite pleased with. On some art courses I have found tutors to be little too full of their own ability, and this has produced negative stress and a poor learning experience. Sebastian has a very light touch. He is always ready and willing to offer advice, but also happy to let you progress at your own pace and this certainly worked well for me. The tools, materials and setting are all excellent and I enjoyed the whole experience very much."

18 Sep 17'

Patrick reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian generates a very relaxed atmosphere, and managed to inspire all the people on the course to generate some really great sculptures. He was very knowledgeable and helpful, with practical and creative help provided with great charm. The venue was great, with views over the fields to the Birdlip escarpment."

18 Sep 17'

Rachael reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

8 Sep 17'

Ian Penny reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great two day course, four of us went to Sebastian's weekend course in Saul near Frampton. I had never tried sculpture before but with tips from Sebastian soon got the hang of working with stone it's totally different working in 3D (I usually draw/paint). I am now hooked on stone sculpturing, I can really recommend doing a course just for the fun of it, it was not expensive, you get good tuition and we all enjoyed the weekend. Ian P"

4 Sep 17'

Jane Flower reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was a really enjoyable course: relaxed friendly atmosphere, beautiful setting and skilled, patient teaching. I shall definitely be back for more!"

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 !"