Stone Carving Tips for Sculptors

• Stone Carving: Tools and Techniques of an Ancient Art by Walter S. Arnold. Stone carving tools have not changed significantly since the technique of forging steel was developed. The pneumatic hammer was introduced between 1885 and 1890 (powered by huge steam driven air compressors), and has pretty much replaced the wooden mallet and iron hammer. Carbide tipped tools began appearing in the middle of the 20th century. Most limestone carvers still prefer the old hand forged chisels, and keep a wooden mallet close at hand.
  
  
• A Primer on Carving Soapstone by Sandy Cline "Knowing there is an aspect to every piece of art, the soapstone carver has a special relationship with the objects he creates. Sandy believes the stone is alive, and he both respects and admires it. I am compiling a collection of sources and information for sculptors and those who wish to carve stone. Hope you find what your looking for."
  
  
• About Carving Stone by Scott Owens To carve a stone, you must first consider and examine the block you intend to work with. Is it soft or hard, brittle or crumbly? Are there cracks? Is the grain weak or strong? If the stone is particolored, where might the effect be strongest? After some exploration, I prefer to make a plasticine maquette, or model, of what I intend to carve. Many sculptors skip this stage, but I find my eyes and fingers wiser than my mind and the stone.
  
  
• My Carving Tips by Seamus O'Mahoney. When carving any kind of sculpture in stone (marble, granite or limestone), a SHORTSTROKE pneumatic hammer is almost essential. I recommend a 3/4" hammer for granite and a 1/2" hammer for marble. This allows fine control for delicate detail.This is in addition to a "Dallet" air hammer for roughing whether it is a 3/4" or 1" or both.
  
  
• Canada: Roy Torney, The Livingstone Quarry The Livingstone Quarry will sell you the stone, supply the tools and guide you step-by-step as you produce your very own soapstone carving. Find out how easy, satisfying, and inexpensive soft rock carving really is! For carvings, I use Brazilian Stone almost exclusively because of its consistent texture and spectacular colour patterns. My preferred medium is soapstone but also have been painting with oils, acrylics and watercolours. Contact me at quarry@eagle.ca
  
  
• Stoneshaper Studio, So you want to carve stone? - How do I start out? That's the million dollar question. There are a number of ways. I took an art class in college and there was an art student that had finished a piece in stone. It was so beautiful that I had to try it. I brought a stone from the instructor and with tools that he lent me, I headed home. Two months later (I had to work in private as it was a mother's day gift for my wife) Mother and Child Reunion was born and I became a stone addict.  Shane Smith can be reached at shane@stoneshaper.com  His web site home is www.StoneShaper.com
  
  
• History of the Stonecutters Union by Walter S. Arnold. The Journeyman Stonecutters Association of North America is the oldest, and perhaps the smallest, active union in North America. Based on a tradition dating back to the masons lodges of the middle ages, the International was founded in 1853; and the Washington Stonecutters are said to have marched as a body at the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol in 1792. In the late 1960's, due to changing architectural tastes and decreased interest in ornamentation, the union had become quite small. At that time it merged with the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA).
  
  
• Italy: Davidovici Sculpture Workshop, Pietrasanta, Italy -  Organized and Taught By Editt Davidovici. If you have a serious interest in stone sculpture, whether you are an experienced carver or a beginner, the Davidovici Sculpture Workshop offers expert guidance to enhance your skills. The studio is located in one of the most important stone-carving centres of the world, amidst many international artists, and Italian artisans and tool makers. Surrounded by marble quarries that have supplied the masters through the centuries since Roman times, students will benefit from a unique cultural and learning experience.
  
  
• NY City: Stone and Wood Carving Classes The Sculpture Center (NY) is the only non-profit organization in New York City devoted entirely to the teaching and exhibition of sculpture. Located in a former carriage house that is owned by the Center, it consists of a ground floor gallery and three floors of school and studio space. The Sculpture Center School offers courses in stone and wood carving, clay modeling, bronze casting and mold making, welding, mixed media, and 3D computer visualization. It has a capacity of approximately 200 students, and its faculty are all working and exhibiting artists. The school has an open admissions policy, with registration for classes by the month rather than by the semester.
  
  
• Ireland: FeelyStone - Public Sculpture "FEELYSTONE has long been recognised as a supporter and sponsor of the arts. We especially encourage the creative and imaginative use of stone. To that end, sculptors are encouraged to use the FEELYSTONE workshops and machine facilities in an effort to broaden the boundaries of design in stone. In sculpture, stone offers limitless horizons for creative expression."
  
  
• United Kingdom : Portland Sculpture Trust " The Portland Sculpture Trust is a not-for-profit artist-led organisation, formed in 1983 after the first sculpture symposium of its kind in the UK, when over 40 sculptors came to create work in response to the disused workings of Tout Quarry - last worked commercially 100 years ago by hand. Since 1983 the Portland Sculpture Trust has been developing both the individual work of artists, and programmes of study, led by artists, that explore the creative and educational potential of quarry environments. This work has resulted in the development of educational programmes for children and adults, encouraging varied and original artistic responses to the inspiration provided by the unique environment of Portland - attracting national, international, regional and local audiences." 1998 Stone Carving Workshops at pst@earthling.net
  
  
• New Zealand : Tareitanga Sculpture Symposium  Over fifty sculptors from throughout New Zealand and oversea's attended Tareitanga '97. The British Council through their Link Programme sponsored one U.K. sculptor. Four French, one Japanese and one Columbian also participated. Again a diversity of ethnic, gender, and artistic experience amongst the participants will provide a fruitful learning and creative environment for all, including the spectators.
  
  
• North West Stone Sculptors Association NWSSA was founded in 1985 to provide access to professional trade information and to promote stone sculpture in the Northwest. NWSSA was awarded federal tax exempt status (501c(3)) in 1995. The membership (over 200) includes artists mainly from western Canada and the USA. There is an elected Board of Directors and five standing committees.