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'Simon is clearly very passionate about his craft and has a fantastic way of passing this enthusiasm on to all around him. 'As a novice stone carver I found Simon's teaching very supportive and instructive. He spends a lot of time explaining and making sure one understands the basics behind carving. If one has difficulty understanding a concept he tries different methods such as drawing, making moulds with clay and support of books and pictures to help with grasping the concept. Simon is very knowledgeable and since he actually practices what he teaches one is assured of learning carving in the hands of a master. Without Simon's help and encouraging words I would not have benefited from the course.' Neda Fana-Haeri - Art Academy 'I recently participated in a 10 week stone carving class at London's Art Academy, taught by Simon Keeley. Simon faced a potentially challenging teaching semester when faced with a group of students with varying experience in stone sculpture, all of whom had pieces of work in varying states of completion. This never proved a challenge for Simon, or a hindrance to any of his students - the attention he paid to our individual abilities, and indeed the interest he held in each of our individual works, never wavered. His professionalism, skill, experience and enthusiasm, not only in the stone sculpture medium but also in the teaching of the medium, were a pleasure to witness. I believe the high number of returning students to Simon’s classes for follow up semesters is credit to Simon as a teacher and artist and proof of his skill as both. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to any potential students considering taking up stone sculpture, or indeed for any potential teaching post he may apply for.' Claire Rozyn - Art Academy 'After five years of design and sculpture, mainly in the form of life modeling in clay, I decided to try what I perceived to be the difficult discipline of stone carving. I enrolled in Simon Keeley’s course at The Art Academy. I spent the year working on a male torso. I cannot thank Simon enough for his enthusiasm, patience and help in working on what turned out to be a hugely ambitious work for a first timer. A year on and we have a body taking shape and the plan is to finish it this year. Each student worked on a different subject and I was impressed with all the detailed work and references Simon prepared for each of us for the next class, down to him bringing in all his own tools for us to use. You don’t often get a teacher who fires you up ...he is one of those special people who with his happy outgoing personality and positive attitude encourages you to achieve more than you were capable of. As soon as details of the next course he will be running become available.....I will be enrolling.' Michael Sprinz - Art Academy 'After attending a short introduction to Stone carving I decided to develop my skills and have a go at a longer course. Simon's class was relaxed and informative with us learning how to take an idea and translate that into a sculpture. Simon is enthusiastic has a very good technical knowledge and ability, which he shares with his learners. It was a very enjoyable class.' Jo Hepworth - Art Academy 'I’ve been a student of Simon Keeley’s for several terms on the Stone Carving course at the Art Academy. In my opinion he’s a great tutor who’s enthusiasm for the subject is completely infectious. I studied Architecture at KIAD (Canterbury) for five years and have had many tutors covering many aspects of the Arts during my time there. I can honestly say that Simon’s passion for his craft and desire to impart that knowledge to others are both of the highest order.' Alan Hayward (Architect) - Art Academy
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