From:
"GeorgeJulieJessie Graham" <gjjgraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date:
Tue, 17 Oct 2000 00:42:39 GMT
Subject:
What carving techniques should be learned first
Doug,
As you are on your own, I would get some good books on carving. Direct Stone
Sculpture, by Milt Liebson and Discovery in Stone, by Jane Armstrong are
both excellent. Over the years I have gathered a lot of books on and about
sculpture. They all have something to offer. Milt Liebson's goes into great
detail , and explaines how to use new stone related tools and material.
Polishing , pinning, laminating, epoxy etc.
Starting with a beginners set of tools is good. Buy more tools as you need.
Learning with simple hand tools is best. Starting by hand will allow you to
absorb the basics. It makes you take your time,and get a feel for the
material. I have found that the best work I do is started by hand. A hammer
and point is often the most efficient way to remove stone and bring out a
form. Modern tools like an electric grinder with a very course grit help
clean up an area, but I always go back to hand tools to refine shapes.
I think one of the most important things a new carver can grasp is that you
have to develop your own process, a creative process that only fits you and
the tools you prefer. That will take a lot of time and more than one piece
of work. This is one the main things that I enjoy the most about stone
carving. The creative process is extreamly satisfying and every piece is a
new set of challenges.
Enough theory,
Get a catalog from one of the sculpture supply companies, like The Compleat
Sculptor,NY, or Montoya/MAS International, Inc. West Palm Beach. They are a
great resourse for a sculptor. Montoya has an excellent video.
A major pitfall that a lot of people miss is not keeping your chisels sharp.
When I'm using a flat chisel, it is sharp enough to trim my fingernails.
Points do most of the work, they should be sharpened constantly!!! You can't
cut stone with a dull chisel.
Lastly , its worth your while to get some good quality carving stone. I
recommend alabaster because its easy to carve and learn on, and it is always
a beautiful stone when finished . If your are going to spend the time
required to finish a stone sculpture, it might as well be beautiful !
So get to work and get a good dust mask.
Good luck, George Graham
- References
- message 00631: What carving techniques should be learned first - Doug Howard (13 Oct 2000)
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