Program

TSFi is a small-scale independent study program that consists next to studio work of seminars and visiting artist lectures. Vanessa Paschakarnis and John Greer have both expertises in teaching on University level and the 3 ½ week program of 6 contact hours per day, five days a week is constructed according to a 14 week full University/ college semester. Saturdays and during late afternoon hours, the studio is open for work without instruction.

There is a selection process to enter the program in order to have mixed groups of students that provide a challenging study experience. Vanessa and John bring expertise from Europe and North America in order to teach on a very international level to an international group of students. Students receive individual attention so that they can progress at their own pace. During the course of the program, even first time carvers will be able to finish at least one piece of sculpture. Every sculpture will be conceived and discussed with the teacher and the group from the idea, through drawings, models, the making and mounting for exhibition of a finished piece.

Students work with Canadian Marble extracted in the MacLeod quarry in Cape Breton, as well as different rocks from all over the world that are imported selectively from Italy, the world market place of stone.
We utilize hand tools and power tools and introduce the student to the ancient tradition of carving stone in order to find a contemporary expression within this tradition.
The seminar component and visiting artist program helps to contextualize work in the larger context of sculpture and art making in general.

Students are working in a natural, coastal setting that is unique and inspiring.
TSFi provides accommodation and studio space close together and seeks to create an inspiring atmosphere of learning and exchange on a cultural and artistic level that is unique to North America.

The vision is to create a forum for contemporary sculpture in all its possible manifestations. Within the near future, we will expand the program to include Bronze casting as another medium for study.

May 2008