About Zoe
Zoe Gertner specialises in teaching woodcarving and is a fully qualified teacher and Adult Education tutor who studied anatomy and physiology as part of her Honours degree. Zoe is experienced in teaching and practising all aspects of woodcarving and wood sculpture, including relief carving, lettering, signboards, ecclesiatical, restoration, fairground and carousel work. She has been a professional carver and teacher since 1980 and demonstrates carving at the Royal Cornwall Show and other woodworking events.
For several years Zoe taught the inmates of a local HM establishment and Adult Education courses in woodcarving for Strode College in Somerset, Bude in Cornwall and Holsworthy in Devon. Formerly living in Somerset, Zoe has carved a series of bench ends showing the local industries of that area for St. Mary’s Church, Wedmore. Zoe’s woodcarvings can also be found in several other Mendip churches and in private collections all over the world. Zoe now teaches woodcarving near Penzance, Cornwall, Southwest UK.
Writing
Currently, Zoe writes for the ‘Woodcarving’ magazine for which she has recently acted as Guest Editor. Some of her earlier articles are included in its two compendium books, ‘The Woodcarvers’ and ‘Woodcarving for Beginners’ In previous years Zoe has written for Traditional Woodworking’, ‘The Woodworker’ and also ‘Practical Woodworking Magazine.
Zoe’s book, ‘Woodcarving – A Foundation Course’ (GMC Publications 1997) was written especially for beginners, and contains everything a starting woodcarver needs to know about carving wood. With a specially designed progressive series of woodcarving projects to follow, you will learn basic carving skills and techniques enabling you to take your carving to a higher level.
Woodcarving Tools
The family firm of Ashley Iles makes a range of specialist high quality wood carving tools designed by Zoe Gertner. These tools have shorter and lighter blades than the standard tools, making them easier to handle and more suitable for delicate carving.
Tools are supplied honed and razor sharp, ready for immediate use, with beech handles and brass ferrules adding to their aesthetic appearance. Whatever your style of carving – ‘In the Round’, Relief or Lettering, wood carving with these tools is a joy. Try one and you won’t be disappointed.