“It seemed such a privilege having Walter as the instructor, his mix of natural and carved stone is do perfect and thrilling to me.”
“Walter has a quiet, patient relationship with everyone.”
“Walter was wonderful. He took the time to understand what I wanted.”
“Walter allowed us to create our own design and gave critical intervention and expert guidance.”
“I found Walter was open for input, dialogue and criticism throughout the process. His strengths as an artist and teacher were very much admired. He was very professional in his approach.”
“Walter is a very intuitive mentor and recognizes when you really need assistance and when you need to be challenged to think! The focus on process and not outcome was so welcome.”
“Walter was very helpful in seeing what I saw in the stone. When I had an idea on how to proceed or what I wanted from the stone he encouraged me. When I didn’t know how to achieve it he showed me. Very encouraging and helpful.”
“Walter has the correct balance between showing and helping and then moving away to allow me to work on my own skills.”
“Walter is an excellent teacher – supportive, a great listener and able to translate the students’ ideas, understand them and give meaningful feedback.”
“Walter’s strength as a teacher – besides his gift as an artist – include great patience and the ability to listen and understand what the student is trying to achieve. Then he has the skills to help the student work towards their goals.”
Leading Sculpting Workshops
Zimbabwean sculptors learn through a mentoring tradition. My father, Joram Mariga, was my mentor and he taught me not only how to sculpt but also how to teach others. Since 2005 I have had the opportunity to lead stone sculpting workshops in Holland and Canada to students of all ages and skill levels. I believe very strongly that as a mentor you must encourage students to take ownership of their work.
Below are some comments from workshop participants.
“Walter was great. He wanted the art to be our art and although I didn’t have the skills to do a face, for example, Walter asked about the direction the face was facing, what size of eyes, what shape etc.“
“If you are insecure tackling something Walter will show you how to do it. He will not finish it. By watching him you must then learn to do it yourself. It works!... Walter is the best instructor we have had.”
“We were supported by a perceptive master sculptor – Walter.”
“Walter respected my ideas. I got lots of tips and information to do better.”
“Walter is a wonderful teacher. I learned some creative ways to use the tool that I never knew before. I also greatly appreciated his taking the time to talk about Zimbabwe and his culture.”
“Walter is extremely good at getting his “pupils” to think critically. He is very good at checking, understanding and communicating about the nature and character of the stone and the underlying reason for using each toll in the various ways it can be used.”
“I loved that Walter challenging our thinking and challenged each of us. He was very good at showing me how to do something and then returning to see how I managed. “
“The introduction from Walter helped me select the appropriate stone and plan my sculpture. Very helpful.”
“Because of the transferable knowledge I acquired from Walter the workshop exceeded my expectations.”
“Walter is incredible. He listens, demonstrates just enough and lets the carver know that he/she can do it on his/her own. “
“Awesome teacher! Walter was very welcoming and approachable. He offered clear solution to my problems and positive feedback and encouragement.”
“Walter made suggestions that elevated my design – small details that made a huge difference overall.”