introducing myself - Bruce R. Colbert

[sprtybruno@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hello All,

I just joined this most excellent list. I especially enjoy
perusing the many websites that are listed. I have been
carving sandstone (almost exclusively) for about 20 years.
No formal education or anything like that, I just felt I had
to create something in stone. I use old building material,
foundation stone, steps, lintels, sidewalk slabs and any
piece I can find that is not quarried. Living in north
central Ohio near Amherst I find the supply is endless and
have gathered quite a few pieces. With some of the larger
ones (1500 lbs.) I plan to build a stone circle when I
return home from Shanghai in October 2003. Any circle
builders out there? I would like to talk to you.

I have been influenced by ancient Central America in my
carving of decorated faces. I will carve relief lettering if
requested but it is so boring. I have sold a few sculptures
over the years but mostly give them away for gifts. Lately I
have taken to attaching found items to the stone.

I make my own chisels from discarded metal working tools and
use discarded grinding wheels of various grades, broken into
pieces, for rubbing stones. All work is by hand, no power
tools, ever.

Just recently snagged a few pieces of local jade and will
try my hand at that.

Thanks for listening.
Bruce R. Colbert
Oberlin, Ohio
Shanghai, P.R. China