Alabaster mounting...

[gary grossman <grossman@zzzzzzzzz>]

This is a reply to an off-list inquiry, but I thought that it might be
useful to others on the list.  Also I can probably learn when other more
experienced listers correct my errors <g >.

Hi XXXX, I've looked at your site, very nicely done and the carvings
were enjoyable to view.  You asked about mounting alabaster, oops,
before I say anything I should warn you that I'm completely self taught,
except from the information that I've learned on the list or gleaned
 from books.  I can't promise that what I say is the "best" way to do
things, only that it's worked for me in the 2 years that I've been
carving soft stones like alabaster, steatite & soapstone!  I usually try
to pin carvings with two pins that, depending on the piece, go up to 4"
into the carving.  So far most of my carvings have been small (< 14" in
height) and on those with small bases (i.e., like legs) I use 1/8"
stainless steel pins.  I've also used 1/4" aluminum and sawed off
stainless screws.  I just glue with standard 5 minute epoxy, and I drill
the base either all the way through or part way through depending on the
weight of the sculpture. If you want to get really fancy you can use
threaded pins (I've sawed the heads off stainless steel screws) and then
attach the pin with a nut which makes the base removable.  Carving
mostly softer stones I'm more worried about damaging a carving by
drilling a long hole near the edge of a piece than I am about it
starting to wobble. I can always reglue but I don't want to have to
learn how to repair <g >.

As for bases, many of the plain colored bases that are on my web site
were purchased from a company called marble bases at
http://www.marblebases.com/contactus.htm  their web site is messed up,
but I just called the 800 number and got a catalog.  There prices are
very good and the quality of the ones I ordered are good.  Some of the
"verigated" or patterned bases that I have on my site I got from our
local "stone counter top" store.  They have 4" X 4" sample stones that
they give to contractors and I just got some of those and then they
polished the edges for me.  These typically are granite (although I've
found some usable soapstone and limestones) and I don't have the
capacity to polish granite.  The polishing cost ~$10 a foot and
depending on the size of the base, left me with a bill of ~$20 - $60 for
the base.  Sounds expensive, but try buying bases like this on the web,
if you can find them (please if someone's got a better deal let us all
know <g >).  I've found that I *hate* attaching sculptures to bases and
lately I'm trying to leave an uncarved portion of the sculpture that can
serve as its own base.  I've also just mounted a soapstone bear on an
old rough cut walnut board and was very happy with that -- its on my
website under "dream bear".  Finally, the places that I've shown have
all had their own pedestals, so I haven't had to provide any.  Perhaps
someone else can comment on making pedestals or good sources for
inexpensive ones.

happy hanukah, g

Gary D. Grossman

G. Grossman Fine Art
http://www.negia.net/~grossman/

Distinguished Research Professor - Animal Ecology
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~grossman/

Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish