The Art of Woodblock Carving Workshop in Bangalore
Learn the meditative craft of carving your own teak wood block. Join our master artisans in Bangalore for an intensive session that transforms a raw piece of wood into a permanent print tool you can use for years.
We believe in minimal wastage at every stage. This single piece of seasoned teak wood is carved with multiple designs, a testament to the skill and resourcefulness of our artisans. These blocks are built to last for generations.
The hands of a master carver translating a historic lino design from the Bábbarra Women's Centre into a teak woodblock. This cross-cultural exchange is a beautiful example of how craft can bridge languages and continents.
A close-up of a master carver's hands, meticulously shaping a floral motif. This image is from our collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum in Philadelphia, where we translate contemporary art into traditional woodblocks.
A collection of freshly carved woodblocks, designed by students from the University of Technology Sydney. We love seeing how young designers interpret their personal stories through this heritage craft form.
The fine art of woodblock carving. An artisan uses a traditional hand-forged chisel to create the delicate lines of a new design. This skill, passed down through generations, is the foundation of our craft.
A detailed view of a woodblock being carved for our collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum. Each line is carefully chiseled by hand to ensure a perfect print.
This block showcases our commitment to using every piece of wood. Two distinct, heart-shaped face motifs are carved into a single piece, a practice of sustainable craftsmanship that has been with us since the beginning.
A set of contemporary woodblocks inspired by the art of Jessica Campbell. These were created for our annual workshop with the Fabric Workshop Museum, blending modern art with traditional carving techniques.
An incredibly intricate woodblock carved by our friend and fellow artist, Rebecca Gilbert. Her work, which explores themes of mystery and longing, shows the amazing artistic possibilities of the woodblock medium.
An artisan carves a 'Yawkyawk' (young woman mermaid) design, translating it from a lino tile by artist Janet Kalidjan Marawarr. This is part of our collaboration with Bábbarra Women's Centre, preserving ancestral stories in wood.
About The Art of Woodblock Carving
In this 6-hour masterclass, you will move beyond printing to understand the structure of the block itself. You will use professional-grade, hand-forged steel chisels to carve your design into seasoned teak wood, learning the relief techniques our artisans have practiced for over three decades.
From Raw Wood to Masterpiece
Carving a woodblock is a slow, rhythmic process that requires more patience than force. During this workshop, we provide you with seasoned teak wood—a dense, durable material that holds detail well and stands up to the pressures of repeated printing. Our master carvers, who have decades of experience, will guide you through the initial sketching phase, helping you understand how to translate a 2D drawing into a 3D relief surface.
Why Carving Matters
Many people print using existing blocks from our archive of over 6,000 designs, but carving your own block changes your relationship with the final print. You begin to see where lines connect, how negative space functions, and why certain motifs require specific angles. You will learn to use hand-forged chisels to clear away the wood around your design, ensuring clean edges for your prints. It is technical work, but it is also deeply relaxing.
What You Will Achieve
This is not a theoretical session. You will leave with:
- Your own hand-carved teak wood block to take home.
- A canvas tote bag printed with your design.
- A new understanding of the heritage craft we have preserved since 1977.
We include all materials, from the wood blocks to the professional chisels, along with a wholesome lunch to keep you fueled. Whether you are an artist looking to expand your printmaking toolkit or a hobbyist seeking a quiet, creative day in our Sadashivnagar studio, this session offers a rare, hands-on look at a vanishing skill.
Tharangini Studio
We are Tharangini, founded by Lakshmi in 1977 right here by Sankey Tank. Our studio is an open home where we pass down skills through generations, and we would love for you to sit with our master carvers and learn the rhythm of the chisel.
Looking for a different textile experience?
Explore our other heritage printing and craft sessions in Bangalore.
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