Fathom Stone Art: A Unique Hands-On Experience in Whistler
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Whistler, BC, has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, but did you know you can also indulge your artsy side? Take a class at Fathom Stone Art and learn how to carve soapstone, a substance I found myself falling in love with.
On a recent Sea to Sky getaway to Whistler, I wanted to include a hands-on creative experience in our busy weekend, so I connected with Fathom Stone Art and booked a soapstone carving class for my daughter Julia and me.
It turned out to be one of the most absorbing two hours of the entire weekend.
Full Disclosure: I was given a free class in exchange for an honest review.
Table of Contents
Finding Fathom Stone
Fathom Stone Art is located in the lobby of the Whistler Westin, one of Whistler’s many upscale hotels.
John Fathom, the owner and a master carver himself, has created a welcoming space that feels both professional and approachable. Outside the shop, tables are set up with the tools of the trade: files, rasps, drills, and sandpaper, along with blocks of soapstone in various sizes waiting to become someone’s next treasure.
Both children and adults are welcome. During my visit, several children were busy at the next table. John told me that it’s about a 60/40 split between adults and children (the 60 being adults). He also mentioned that children are great fun to work with since they are fearless. Adults are often too worried they’ll make a mistake.
I could relate! At first, I felt daunted by the block of soapstone I’d chosen. How could I even start? I’m not Michelangelo; I’m not even Italian.
Why Soapstone?
John explained that on the hardness scale, diamond is the hardest at 10 and soapstone is the softest at 1.
Within minutes of picking up my block and starting to file, I discovered exactly what that meant. Soapstone yields surprisingly quickly to the tools.
After several minutes of filing, I began to see that transforming my block into a bear might just be possible.
Choosing What to Carve
Because we were short on time, we chose the mini sculpture class in which we’d create (or try to) a small fish, animal, or abstract form in about two hours.
Longer classes (up to four hours and more) are also available. If you have the time, I recommend taking a longer class and carving something larger than a mini.
Guests who take longer classes can return to work on their project over multiple sessions. This is a great option if you’re staying in Whistler for several days. Fathom Stone Art is open late so you can ski all day and carve in the late afternoon.
John told me that during the busy ski season in the winter, the classes are full to bursting.
Several finished carvings are available to help you decide what to make. I decided to carve a bear, which as it turned out was a bit ambitious but definitely worthwhile.
Julia chose an orca that later became a salmon.
Carving Soapstone
After you’ve chosen what you want to carve, John and one other instructor guides you through the process of sketching your design and then working through the stages of carving, sanding, and polishing.
Their guidance is patient and practical without being prescriptive. They don’t do the carving for you, although occasionally I found myself hoping John would just pick up my little bear and turn it into a piece of art.
But no, the carving is all mine, which of course is the point. Here’s Julia working hard on her orca/salmon:
I was riveted for the entire two hours. I actually can’t remember being so absorbed with a hands-on activity. I barely looked up from my little bear so intent was I on filing and carving.
At one point, John handed over a box full of power tools which I found really fun to work with.
Unfortunately, I got a bit too enthusiastic with one of the tools and sliced off my bear’s snout. Oh no!
But John just said “there’s no crying in soapstone carving” and quickly glued the snout back on so perfectly that no crack is visible.
When we were finished and I was lining up the salmon and bear for a photo shoot, I accidentally dropped Julia’s salmon on the tile floor, breaking off the tail.
Again I heard no crying in soapstone carving and moments later the salmon’s tail was glued back on and all was well.
The Results
So, did I succeed in turning my block of soapstone into something resembling a bear?
Maybe not, but I love him. He will stand guard on my desk, reminding me daily of a very enjoyable two-hour experience.
The Gallery
Even if carving is not your thing, the Fathom Stone Art gallery is worth a visit. The stunning collection of finished sculptures in soapstone, jade, serpentine, and argillite will make you wish for a larger bank account, although some of the smaller pieces are affordable.
Work by several very accomplished First Nations and local artists is featured. You’ll find animal sculptures and abstract pieces (my favorites).
Practical Information
Fathom Stone Art is located in the lobby of the Westin Whistler at 4090 Whistler Way, Whistler BC.
Instructors guide you step by step as you choose your BC soapstone, sketch your design, carve, sand, and polish your piece. Classes run by appointment from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
Here’s the pricing line to add to the Practical Information section:
Fathom Stone Art offers classes at several price points to suit different budgets and time commitments:
- Pendant carving class (1 hour, ages 5 and up) is $75 per person.
- Mini carving class (2 hours) is the one I took with Julia and costs $100.
- Small sculpture class (3 hours, ages 8 and up) is $200 per person
- Medium sculpture (4 to 6 hours, ages 10 and up) is $300 per person
- Large sculpture (6 or more hours, ages 14 and up) is $400 per person. Larger sculpture classes can be completed over multiple sessions.
Check www.fathomstone.com for current pricing as rates may change.
To book, call (604) 962-7722, email gallery@fathomstone.com, or book online at fathomstone.com.
Fathom Stone Art FAQs
Fathom Stone Art is located in the lobby of the Westin Whistler at 4090 Whistler Way, a short walk from Whistler Village.
Classes run for two to four hours, depending on the size of carving you decide to make. That sounds like plenty of time but once you get started, the time goes fast. I could have easily spent a third hour working on my little bear. Guests who choose to create larger pieces can work on them over multiple sessions.
No experience is needed. Instructors guide you through every step of the process, from choosing your stone and sketching your design to carving, sanding, and polishing your finished piece.
Yes. Both children and adults are welcome at Fathom Stone Art. It is an excellent family-friendly activity.
You choose your own design. Animals are popular, particularly bears, orcas, and Inukshuk. Your instructor will help you find a design that is achievable in two hours.
Soapstone rates 1 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the softest natural carving material available. It yields quickly to files and rasps, which means you can see your design taking shape almost immediately.
You take home the piece you carve, sanded and polished to a smooth finish. It makes a meaningful souvenir since you made it yourself from BC stone.
Classes run by appointment from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. To book, call (604) 962-7722, email gallery@fathomstone.com, or book online at fathomstone.com.
Yes. The Fathom Stone gallery features a collection of finished sculptures in soapstone, jade, serpentine, and argillite by accomplished First Nations and local artists, ranging from small affordable pieces to significant works.
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