Stone Sculpture with Mieke
Mold art from stones under the acacia trees and feel the earth’s energy as it flows through your work. Learn the process of stone carving from Mieke, pick your local stone, then bring your design to life. Explore the stunning surrounding nature in your downtime for a little natural inspiration.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $945
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $480
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $500
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $125
Meet the Artist
Mieke is a stone carver. She makes sculptures by hand in her home studio and gallery under a grove of acacia trees. Her latest sculpture hangs from a tree adding a new dimension as it moves in the wind, while another one was recently exhibited at the Venice Arts Biennale. Originally from the Netherlands, Mieke has called Zambia and Tanzania home for over thirty years. She worked with leather for several years before discovering her passion for stone. According to her, the stone itself radiates an energy that flows from earth into the universe and is the primary theme of her work. Her sculptures vary from abstracts to human faces, torso and the back. Recently she discovered stones in Kondoa region near the 10,000 yrs old rock paintings in Tanzania and uses them in her work. She is always excited to teach and collaborate with musicians, dancers, writers, anyone who is open to developing their unique creative expression. Karibuni!
VAWAA Includes:
- Learning about different types of local stone and their properties.
- Understanding basic principles, processes, and tools used in stone carving.
- Picking your stone and sketching a design.
- Chiseling, filing, water sandpapering, and waxing the stone to finish.
- All tools and materials.
- Coffee, tea, homemade biscuits and lunch.
Stay at Mieke's
Stay with Mieke at her African style decorated guesthouse with verandah overlooking the garden. It is a cozy 4m x 11m house with 1 full size bed for two people, bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with 2 gas plates.
Explore Arusha
The natural beauty of Tanzania is widely praised, and for good reason. But don’t overlook the warm hospitality of its communities and vibrant arts and culture. Spend time in Arusha to immerse yourself in the dynamic influences of Arabic, African, and Indian cultures found in the verandas, winding streets, and bustling markets that make up the urban scene. It’s a large, sprawling city that’s also lush and green from the temperate climate. While typically regarded as nothing more than a stopover for travelers on their way to safaris, it has plenty of charm and buzz. Visit the town market for fresh vegetables, vibrant spices, and plenty of people watching, or explore many up-and-coming shops and excellent restaurants in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Additional Details
It usually takes 35-40 hours to create a stone sculpture weighing approximately 20 kg. We recommend taking a break after 4 days to visit a national park, hike Mt. Meru or go for an overnight bike ride. Upon your return, you can spend remaining days finishing the sculpture. Please note, the price of stone varies based on weight and may have an additional cost. Airport pick up is available for an additional fee. Option available with Mieke to arrange for your stone sculpture to be shipped back at an additional cost. Let us know if interested.
Guest Reviews
Stephen D., United States
Enjoyable, insightful, practical
Sarika P., India
I had a lovely experience in Arusha with Mieke. I had never attempted sculpting before and sculpting stone seemed intimidating at first, but Mieke was such a great teacher. She is very talented and I was awed by the display of her figurative and abstract sculptures in the large open garden of her lovely home. I found her work hauntingly pagan and beautifully elemental and she helped me to explore Read more
