The Dry Stone Workshops at English Harbour Newfoundland

The dry stone workshops at English Harbour have been treated to buffeting winds, lightning storms, muffling fog and dazzling sunshine over these past two weeks. Participants have gone from working in tee shirts to suiting up in insulated rain-gear. Whatever the weather conditions of the day (or hour) it’s been exhilarating working on the Newfoundland coast. The wide vistas of boreal forestland and ever-changing seascape have made a dramatic backdrop to our dry stone activities.

This week’s group began by examining the previously completed pillars and lanterns and sketching ideas for the third installation. By assessing the building site and stone supply they were able to find areas where their abstract ideas intersected with the reality of ‘field conditions.’ A consensus was reached on a design that featured a ledge/ramp that spiraled twice around a cone shaped structure. Next was to design the temporary framework that would guide the stonework as it progressed upward. By the end of the third day they were only a handful of stones away from topping out the piece.