Original Question/Why Carve?

[Elaine <ehruby@zzzzzzz>]

Dear Clive...

I think that I am searching for the ephemeral...the heart that is in
stone.... what is it that we are connecting with?  The answer, as you
mentioned, is different for everyone.   The most successful pieces for me,
are the pieces of stone that I thought had no real purpose, but I picked up
any way, and proceeded to carve.   Because of their unusual shapes, I have
to be original.   I become so intrigued by what I am doing that they turn
out soulful or beautiful.  They are given all of my attention.

I went back and read your email a couple of times.... Yes...sadly, I think
that beauty is not fashionable at the moment.  However, if you look at the
total history of art...it does not matter what "message or purpose" the work
had.  Masterpieces (another outdated word), have longevity, and are works of
art,  because of their beauty.

This is going to get me into trouble however:  I do love some modern art.  I
often make different types of art for their clever use of light space....or
messages.   However... I carve stone because it is the material that was
chosen to build monuments, store Ka's, and because of its beauty.  In this
throw away world....I wanted to make something lasting.  Something that
takes a challenge to make.  Also, stone carving proceeds fairly slowly, you
develop an intimate relationship with it.    (Thanks for your
comments....you always make me think deeper and thus clarify my own thoughts
on a subject.)  Elaine