Fireplace at the Canadian Festival

Many interesting things were happening in Rockport. This fireplace was designed by John Scott and built by him, his students and several other helpers. It was a real centre of attraction. The fire burned well with a fine updraught.

More from the festival in 4 days time.To find out more details about this feature and about dry stone walling in Canada go to http://www.dswa.ca/

Rocktober Festival 2010

This years festival (the 7th) was held in Rockport in Ontario Canada. I was involved with one of the three training courses and mentioned that the traditional way to test a wall in Scotland was to run a wheelbarrow along the top. Kurt Wegner took up the challenge and here is the result . Thanks to Ryan Lemieux ( http://www.ryanlemieux/ ) for the black and white photo of the fine wall built by the students.Thanks to Medina,Stewart,Ray,Guy,Jim, to some others who lent a hand and especially to Kurt and his family encouraging his victory run.

The next few entries will show some of the wonderfully  varied events that took place during the four days. More on 29th September

Irish Clochan in USA

This magnificent building was completed in 5days under the guidance of Patrick McAfee and Bobby Watt. The finished project using 30 students was 13' wide, 12' tall and required 55 tons of  rock. For more information go to  http://www.borrowedground.com/  to read about Russ Beardsly who provided the photos and to http://www.stonefest.org/ for Marenakos that host the annual event.

The Kitchen Wall

This very interesting build was created by artist  Kate Gilman Brundett. The idea is to place everyday items in unusual settings to stir peoples imagination and artistic awareness. Part of the Cumbrian Arts festival. Brilliant.

To see more of Kates work go to http://www.kateb.co.uk/

Next entry on 21st October is a modern version of an ancient Irish clochan.

The Veg Wedge comes to fruition

A couple of years ago I was involved with the construction of this dry stone feature put together by the students at Niagara Botanic Gardens under the guidance of that Master of Creative Design, John Shaw-Rimmington. Recently I received this view of the structure in action. It is now resplendent in its coat of Luffa Vine. This feature was a follow up to another of John's pieces in the same garden The cheese wedge shown first.
The entry in four days time shows a wall the like of which I have never seen before!

First attempt goes well

I had these photos recently from Pete Panagiotatos who lives in Rochester USA. He had had only a couple of days training under Scott George and went home to try out his new skill. What a fine job he did! Great credit to Pete and his instructor.
Next entry is an update on a feature built a couple of years ago close to Niagara Falls.

Sand Sculpture

So it is very small stones (sand) and it is not quite dry but this was built during the recent Competition on the beach at Cannon Bridge Oregon. To see more of these amazing creations sculpted before the arrival of the next tide contact Olga Ridley at olgaridley@msn.com

Next entry is from a newcomer to the joys of dry stone walling. (11th October)