RESIDENCY- BRITISH ISLAMIC GARDENS
British Islamic Gardens (BIG) residency.
Stone sculptor McAlistair Hood is working with British Islamic Gardens (BIG) at the Aisha masjid in Reading, to create the UK’s first permanent stone carving workshop, that is focused mainly upon Islamic Art.
Active Islamic stone carving projects in the UK are almost nonexistent presently. So I am hugely privileged to be BIG’s sculptor in residence and to have this opportunity to help to start something new, right here in Reading.
Beginning in June 2022, BIG Volunteers embarked upon their first project : they have been learning basic stone carving skills, in order that they can then carve Islamic patterns into the stone benches that we are making. The benches will be placed in the Aisha Masjid garden in Reading for worshippers there to enjoy.
The centre also offers 2 and 5 days’ stone carving courses to any member of the public, who would like to create Islamic art upon stone.
3 free introduction sessions are offered before you enrol - and with no obligation to enrol after these session. Ask for more details.
In keeping with the McAlistair Hood environmental policy, no newly quarried or mined stone will be used by students, or in the creation of the garden bench. All stone will be saved from stone yard skips or salvaged from demolition sites. This does not mean to say that the stone used will be inferior quality.
Additionally, where possible the transportation of stone and equipment to the garden will be by non-motorised bicycle and trailer.
Did you know ? Our stone carving courses are so good for you that they now feature as one of the activities offered by Reading Green Wellbeing Network
https://www.rgwn.org.uk/Activities.cfm
Private Tuition at the centre
2 days courses £190 (Gift Vouchers available)(Easy payment options available - just ask).
Deep relief figure in limestone.
Design and sculpt.
Relax - you have 6 months extra (for free) to work on and finesse your sculpture.
5 days courses £400 (Gift Vouchers available)(Easy payment options available - just ask).
In-the-round sculpture In limestone and letter carving into slate.
Design, sketch, clay, sculpt, letter carve.
Relax - you have 12 months extra (for free) to work on and finesse your sculpture.
Any age from 16 to 116 years old.
For more details about these courses, just ask for a syllabus. Enrolling now.
Very proud to have received funding from private benefactors, Reading Council and Earley Charity (via BIG) to make this offering possible.
More courses, more details over on the Tuition page here - https://mcalistairhood.artweb.com/tuition
Does your organisation yearn for a stone sculptor too ? Just get in touch. I love residencies !!!
Previous Residencies
Rushall Farm, Bradfield.
University of Reading Institute of Education (Art).
Englefield Garden Centre, Englefield, Reading.
Food 4 Families, Lavender Place Gardens, Central Reading.
At the bottom of this page I have added some comments my students have been making about their stone sculpting journey
Salam Dear Andrew,
You have completed just over a year with us and alongside the sculpting you have:
- done clay modelling (to help young children see detail in nature)
- been one of the walk facilitators (explaining the uses of leaves/plants that people walk past every day)
- delivered talks to schools visiting about Islamic Stone Sculpting
- delivered talks about reflecting & sustainable living choices
- held tables at events, like the UoR
And now you are starting your Mosaic model making club.
Salam Dear Andrew,
I hope you and your dear family are blessed with health and peace.
You have completed just over a year with us and alongside the sculpting you have:
- done clay modelling (to help young children see detail in nature)
- been one of the walk facilitators (explaining the uses of leaves/plants that people walk past every day)
- delivered talks to schools visiting about Islamic Stone Sculpting
- delivered talks about reflecting & sustainable living choices
- held tables at events, like the UoR
And now you are starting your Mosaic model making club.
The sculpting lessons have been wonderful and have exceeded my expectations for learning a new skill and to be able to hopefully benefit the community with the masjid bench project which we are looking to undertake. It’s sometimes difficult to find time to learn something new or to pursue a passion, so this has been very much a blessing which I hope to perfect as much as possible.
Andrew the instructor has been absolutely excellent. He connects with his students very well and of course is in master in the field. Looking forward to taking this to the next level and hoping more people can join with this wonderful effort.
Safdar
The idea of doing sculpting was not something I thought someone like me could ever get to do. When the course was advertised my daughter encouraged me to join, but I thought that maybe I would not fit in. However, 3weeks into the course , when they said more people could join_ I jumped at the chance. On arrival, I was immediately welcomed and made to feel part of the group. Everyone was so warm and friendly that I thought ” I can do this”. We currently sculpt outside and it’s only for 2 hours, so doable for the young mums who are there.
I usually work by setting goals . If it is gardening ,I would decide how much I would complete withing a certain timeframe. Sculpting is NOT like that. There is no set pace . We do not have to finish a certain amount each session. We work at our own pace and how much or how little we achieve during that session is fine.
I find it absolutely therapeutic and am in a completely tranquil zone at every session.( this would have been so good for people’s mental health during lockdown). I am usually absorbed by the intricacies of the art so get lost in time.
I feel so very honoured to have been allowed to join such a unique course. Andrew and Shaheen have been absolutely brilliant. They are both so warm , welcoming and friendly that it is truely a privilege to belong to the group ( a little family). Thanks you both so very much for having me.
Janet
I have thoroughly enjoyed the sculpting sessions.
I don’t consider myself artistic, and in fact I didn’t enjoy art at school at all.
Andrew however creates a positive environment so you don’t feel afraid to have a go.
I’ve found having a go at sculpting to be very therapeutic, the process, and doing it outdoors in some great weather. Combined, that’s definitely a winning situation for great mental well-being!
I feel encouraged to persevere and very excited to see where it all leads.
Sarah
I really enjoy the wonderful sculpturing sessions at Aisha Mosque. You are a wonderful, inspirational and patient teacher and have made me realise that it’s never too late to learn a new skill in life. Apart from learning about sculpturing, I am finding each session to be very therapeutic and good for my mental well-being. At the end of each session I really don’t want to put down my tools but just want to carry on sculpting and forget my worldly worries.
I have met so many wonderful ladies from all walks of life. It will be great to share this experience with our wider community, different faiths, age groups, professions in our local area.
Hope and pray that you are able to continue this wonderful work for a long long time. Ameen
Fozia
The course at AM on Stone-sculpting is systemized, well-designed and very well-directed by the instructor-
Brother Andrew is a natural teacher- he guides with a lot of care, concern and also some humour.
His approach to teaching is both professional and practical.
The class environment is very freindly- respecting the diverse backgrounds of different students- hence condusive to positive learning!
I am Gratefull to Allah SWT for blessing me this learning opportunity and then of the BIG team and Br. Andrew who are working hard to promote this art of stone sculpting to the wider community.
Thanks for your time!
Anosh
I’m gaining a new creative skill and learning about a different medium to work with which is improving my attention to detail. Its also helping me to be patient as well as to relax and enjoy the outdoor nature space. Also a great way to meet and socialize with the sisters whilst sculpting.
Halima
Stone sculpting has been a great driver for me personally relearning to slow down and be more mindful.
Working in the outdoors and with your hands has been hugely rewarding. I’ve enjoyed these sessions so much.
Andrew is a patient teacher who guides his pupils individually. He is encouraging and supportive and his added humour helps!
Zara
I have enjoyed being with you on Wednesday session learning to sculpt on stone.
That was my first attempt and I enjoyed it.
2 hours have passed so quick where I gained 2 hrs of peace of mind. Free of everything. So relaxing. I do paint sometimes but this is a different type of meditation.
Thank you.
Aziz