Noguchi

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Bill,
I went back and refreshed my memory by looking through a book on Noguchi. I
think most of the textures he put on the stone were from a point. He used
this tool extensively to shape and accent forms. Its easy to think of a
point as a one dimensional tool, but just like all the other carving tools,
if you change the shape and size of it,  vary the weight of the hammer, and
add in all the different characteristics of stone, and you get an infinite
range of textures.
Noguchi used a point to do primary shaping, add texture after grinding and
polishing. Pointing first and then grinding and polishing so as to gradually
go from polish to rock finish. His creative use of the most simple stone
tool to bring out all the different qualities of stone is inspiring. A
simple tool in the hands of a creative genius becomes a fine carving tool.
A very sharp carbide point  with a light touch and light hammer can give you
a sharp texture. A much stouter point used with a 3 pound hammer gives you a
softer look.  Using a dull point gives you another look. When you are just
working on achieving a surface treatment try working in a more random way.
Let the process move you around the area, and you may find that yourself
naturally working down the high spots with out making more high spots.
There was a movie made on Noguchi about 30 years ago. In it , an assistant
is methodically pointing a surface with a large hammer and point. The
process is effortless, never striking the same place twice. Its a great
example of the carver matching the right tools with the stone to get what he
wants.
I'm sorry that I can't give you more precise  information. You just need to
keep working with the stone and tools until you get the results you want.
Hope this helps,
George Graham
   How does he get those distinct pits all over the surface
(some quite
deep), without breaking off the high stuff between them?
Bill Marsh