From:
"John VanCamp" <jvcstnwrks@zzzzzzzzzzzzz>
Date:
Thu, 24 Feb 2005 08:19:20 -0600
Subject:
A wide open question!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Clegg" <Kathryn.Clegg@------------ >
Quoted text begins.What is a good stone for my first attempt? What are the starter tools
I should have at hand? What should I avoid?
End of quote.
Hi Kathy, a big welcome to the discussion. Bob's suggestions
concerning walling are good and sound, but may not be at all
practical for you. My first several pieces were carved out of
stones pick up in the pasture behind the house I lived in at the
time. Fortunetly I live in the Texas limestone area and not the
granite outcrop some 35-40 miles west. First pieces were also
carved using tools on hand --- a wood chisel, screw driver,
cabinet makers rasp, some of my masons chisels. The nice thing
about limestone is it is rather soft and co-operative. It also
does not produce a dangerous dust like some of the other "soft
stones", although all carving makes a mess. No stone in the
back yard? Check out local landscape supply or masonry supply
yards. Much more economical than buying your first piece from a
sculpture supply house for a buck or more a pound plus shipping.
(stone is also heavy). Want to buy some tools? Starter sets
usually include a point for rough out, a couple of claws for
shaping, and a flat for clean up. A 1-1/2 to 2pound soft iron
hammer (dummy) should be ample. Suggest that when buying tools
buy quality since those ebay bargains will only disappoint. (
that is not to say that good tools can't be found on ebay--one
just needs to know what they are bidding on ) Also look around
for some carving classes. Local sculpture organizations, and
art museums often have them. Or at the very least find a copy
of Dona Meilach, or Milt Liebsons books. These will get you
started on the right foot. Most important, don't just think
about it, Get carving. Don't be result oriented (at first),
but rather just enjoy the journey. One of my early mentors told
me that the stone dust is highly addictive, and once it gets in
your blood, it will never let you go. Oh so true that is.
John VanCamp / JVC Stoneworks
- References
- message 00467: CHAT: studio heat - Robin Putnam (23 Feb 2005)
- message 00468: CHAT: studio heat - Dulce Maria Rico (23 Feb 2005)
- message 00469: A wide open question! - Kathy Clegg (24 Feb 2005)
- Previous by Thread: message 00474: A wide open question! - Bob Hackett (24 Feb 2005)
- Next by Thread: message 00470: A wide open question! - Pwwhitley (24 Feb 2005)
- Previous by Date: message 00476: CHAT: studio heat - George Graham (24 Feb 2005)
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