In a group of 4 participants, you will receive an introduction to manual stone carving. The foundation of this craft begins with learning to correctly carve a flat surface. During the workshop, you will receive brief information about types of stone, stone processing, and the contemporary development of the trade. You will learn to mark out and measure. Additionally, you will be introduced to the use of a hammer and chisel. The workshop introduces you to the material of stone and the manual technique for working with it. No prior knowledge is required. You will learn a skill. You will not take a finished product home.
Sebastien Vermeulen is a sculptor. This craft encompasses multiple techniques. The technique of stone carving is highlighted at the stand at Ambacht in Beeld. With stone carving, you can create flat stones, spheres, molding, geometric shapes—in short, anything with a technical plan. Once the technical plan is no longer relevant and we are dealing purely with form, volumes, light, and shadow, we speak of sculpting.
Sebastien Vermeulen is an independent sculptor, stonemason, portraitist, bronze caster, and artist. He creates sculptures in marble, bronze, and terracotta. He teaches ‘Sculptural Design’ at Vrije Academie Gent and carries out restorations on immovable heritage, architecture, and art patrimony. In 2024, he was a laureate of the SofinaBoël Fund for Education and Talent. As a result, in 2025, he spent a month and a half studying the human figure at Studio Della Statua in Florence and learned the mise-au-points technique at L’ Atelier De Sculpture (Soignies). His sculpture ‘Gabrielle’ (2025, marble) has been selected for the exhibition FACE 2026, organized by the Society of Portrait Sculptors in London.
This workshop is offered by Erfgoedcel Viersprong.
During this stone lettering workshop, participants create their own chiseled stone featuring an initial, name, or short word. We start by designing the letter and learning how to transfer it correctly onto natural stone. Next, you will work step-by-step with hammer and chisel to carefully carve out the letter.
You will learn the basic principles of letter form, depth, shadow, and rhythm, as well as the correct posture and striking technique to work safely and in a controlled manner. We work with traditional sculpting tools such as a wooden mallet, various carving chisels, and high-quality natural stone.
At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your own hand-carved stone workpiece and a solid foundation of knowledge of this centuries-old craft. A unique experience where creativity, concentration, and craftsmanship come together.
The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as experienced creatives. All tools and materials are provided.
Maxime Kazire has been passionate about natural stone since childhood and attended stonemasonry school at the age of fourteen. Since then, he has never stopped perfecting his skills in the craft of stonemasonry and sculpting.
In addition, he is employed part-time as a teacher of the Stone Art Craft. The course is offered as Part-time Art Education in Anderlecht.
This masterclass is offered by the Academy of Visual & Audiovisual Arts Anderlecht.
