LONG-TERM APPRENTICESHIPS: TRADITIONAL SWAHILI WOODCARVING

Learn traditional ways of Swahili Woodcarving Art idyllic Lamu island. Where life is slow enough for your creativity to truly come alive. This apprenticeship option offers you a way to enjoy the island as well as leave with valuable skills that would help you to confidently embark on doing your own projects.

The apprenticeship is scheduled according to the days that you have available to learn. You get to spend full days with me and truly immerse yourself into the craft to get to proficiency levels with woodcarving and handling tools for basic woodworking.

I work with you at a steady step- by- step pace so as to ensure maximum uptake of the hands-on skills. There will be amazing projects to do, so as to hone your craftsmanship in the art of traditional Swahili woodcarving. 

The training costs $125/day per person for short term apprenticeships (less than one week), 

Woodcarving takes patience to nurture and even longer, to establish oneself. Having walked this journey myself, I know what it entails and the sacrifices required, to lead someone else towards proficiency and freedom in working this craft.

For longer term apprenticeships that are lasting more than a week, this is what to expect:

In addition to the woodcarving training, I will take you on a tour to view the ornately carved Lamu doors for inspiration, to acquaint yourself with the various designs and learn their rich histories. This will form a solid base for inspiration for the projects that we would undertake.

I would teach you how to use long-handled gouges and chisels for traditional Swahili woodcarving. Sharp tools are imperative for effective carving, and thus I will invest in teaching you how to sharpen your tools using traditional hand-sharpening techniques.

Additionally, I will show you how to use other basic woodworking tools (depending on the time that you have available with me). This would support you in beefing up your skill levels in your journey. We would work on your own personal projects that you would like to bring to life.

Personal projects

Do you have a wood project that you would like to undertake and would like help in how to go about it. I offer project consultations as part of the apprenticeship program. We would work on the skills required to do your particular project. If required, we would incorporate skills from the diverse creative network of artisans in different traditional crafts available on the island. Then we would undertake your project together.

Payment Structure

(I) 1 week (or less):

The apprenticeships costs $125/day per person. 

(II) 1 week to 3 weeks:

The apprenticeship costs $100/day per person 

(III) Monthly:

Breakdown of month to month payments 

First month: $1500/month per person 

Second month: $1500/month per person

Third month: $1200/month per person 

Every subsequent month after the third one would be $1000/month per person.

My goal would be to train you up to be a proficient woodcarver. If you wish it, be able to run your own practice and business!

The first 3 months are the most crucial in your journey. They lay the foundation for the path ahead. By the end of these 3 months, I guarantee you proficiency and confidence to undertake your own small projects (so long as you do your part in diligently practicing). 

After these 3 months, I could start you working with me on my projects for you to learn how to run a woodcarving business if you wish it.

Sustainability

For sustainability during long term apprenticeships; we will have our official classes four times a week.

I will be available to you exclusively for 6 hours, for each of these days that we will have agreed upon.
The studio would be open to you every day from 10am to 6 pm, even away from our standing class times.

Accommodations

Lamu Island has a myriad of hotel/Airbnb options and long term rentals in different price ranges for you to choose from during your apprenticeship period with me.

I would be happy to show or recommend to you some suitable offers near the studio.

 Connect with me for availability for your apprenticeship program here.