Michael Binkley worked with Cunard Line Ltd. to present the first stone carving workshop aboard the most famous ocean liner of our time, the Queen Mary 2. The workshop was presented to interested passengers who were looking for a creative activity during the 7 day crossing from New York City, USA to Southampton, England April 25 to May 1, 2004.
The workshop was presented during the historic tandem crossing of the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2. This was the maiden eastbound trans Atlantic crossing of the QM2 and the final crossing of the Queen Elizabeth 2 before she passed the baton to the QM2.
The Queen Mary 2 was expressly built to continue the time honoured tradition of trans-Atlantic ocean crossings, traveling “The Line” from England to the USA. Air travel has made ocean crossings obsolete, however, Cunard recognizes the romance of ocean travel, and continues to offer this adventure.
As part of its at-sea enrichment programs, Cunard Line Ltd. invites artists who have a piece in the Queen Mary 2’s permanent on-board art collection to come aboard the ship to give lectures and workshops in their given field to the passengers. Since Binkley carved the three large seashell sculptures which grace the therapy pool of the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, he was invited to give the world’s first stone carving lessons aboard a cruise ship with Cunard.
Binkley presented his workshops in one of the ship’s dedicated art rooms and lead participants through the basics of stone carving. The participants used soapstone as their creative medium, as it is a very soft material and can be worked quickly. Some of the guests were able to carve two sculptures during the voyage!
Using knives, files and rifflers, the participants were amazed that their creativity could coax images from stone. Abstract and wildlife images emerged and one gentleman carved a very striking likeness of his own left fist!
Binkley also gave a visual presentation of his body of sculpture work and demonstrated hand carving techniques on a block of marble. Participants were given the opportunity to use hammer and chisel on the marble, just as Michelangelo had done centuries ago. Everyone was thrilled for the chance to try it.
Binkley's workshops were well attended, and the participants were very pleased that such an art class was available to them.