goddess in progress

work in progress - goddess...

it's coming together. nose issues aside!!
love & dust - ty

Asterix, Obelix and the de-nosing of a goddess

that was me. poking my nose into the studio last week. some words still ringing in my ears from a neighbor's assessment of my goddess carving. something about the nose being too flat. so in some haste, not much time to play, and with some ego, my audience was breathless with anticipation, i deepened her features, refined the nose until i began hearing new words in my ears, "what a great sculpture, look at that nose!" etc... and then going in for the final chisel-stroke of genius, that little divot between the nose and mouth... a terrible gasp from the crowd... as the nose flew clean off the piece and landed on the banker.

one thing is for sure. the nose is very flat now :)

the same neighbor passed by the other day and i told him briefly about the de-nosing. He is German. He told me about how in the cartoon Asterix and Cleopatra, when visiting Egypt, Obelix scales the sphinx. As he is about to mount the sphinx's nose it breaks off and falls to the ground. Immediately all the nearby souvenir-shops chisel off the noses of their souvenir sphinxes in order to maintain the resemblance to the real monument. so maybe i am on to something afterall! love and got your nose! ty

carving something monumental

really monumental. as in a monument. and carving as in how to.
here are some great tips on tools and safety for carving granite.
Floyd Wanner has some beautiful work of his to explore in this site as well.
he even works in snow, on a monumental scale, which i find intriguing and timely.
my favourite quote in Floyd's tips: "And remember get some blood on the stone.
Let’s carve."
:)
love and dust, as always - ty

stone shaper gives great advice

If you are hunting around for good resources for "how to" carve stone, try this link:

How to carve marble, limestone, soapstone and alabaster sculptures.

I ordered Shane's book on CD many moons ago. Unfortunately I lost the disc before I could really dig in but, the knowledge and wisdom he shares on-line is great, too. We're lucky for folks that put this on the web!

Learn everything from carving techniques to building a banker and other essentials for the carver! You can see some of his current work on his site as well :)

We're always beginning by beginning -- Ty

purification, respect, balance, friendship

the first snow has finally come, showering us with its individuality. there are certain keynotes i am sitting with lately, originality being one of them. original nature.

have been carving for the Guelph Lecture on Being Canadian, all finished up now. always a peak experience. i respect and admire the Eramosa Institute's patronage of the arts in our community, globally. i have also been fortunate to find time to sit in community with the Turtle Lodge sweats with Jeanie and Klaus and the other elders and friends of the lodge. two in this past few weeks, in fact. and i like the healing balm and solid awareness these events kindle. being with good people is so - necessary. the grandfathers - as the heated stones are called - speak to me about sacrifice, about honouring what has been through the fire and remains intact, available, waiting to be recognized, integrated, consumed respectfully and with joy - which is consummating isn't it?

i reflect lately on being in fellowship, on humanity and the healing we are all striving to achieve; for ourselves, our families and the Earth. today my heart is full of friendship. deep kinship. reverberating. and this energy is so constructive and nurturing. light as air, solid as rock; blazing and benevolent; cerebral and yet, all heart. may each day be for you like a good book you cannot wait to read more of! let us all live the adventure that is - i'm in! ty

andrew bird

i am enjoying mr. andrew bird very much these days.
some artists just get under your skin on the first listen. their music hits your heart like being out under the sky. here's a live take from a concert...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3WoXkOH6WQ

i have seven carvings to complete for the beginning of november.
these are for the Guelph Lecture on Being Canadian guest gifts. it is an honour to be working with them again this year. thank you Joy. Artist David Buckland with be the keynote this year.
looking forward to sourcing the stone from Stoneman Dist. in London, ON. Will be good to visit with Robert, if only by phone :)

love and violins and dust storms, always ~ ty

to the point

been sneaking in the studio, while the kids let me, for brief stints the last two nights, chasing the point. setting aside those eat 'em up power tools and hand carving has been very satisfying. i am tuckered out from texturing with the star chisel tonight. last night, it was just the point and bringing one of those lovely spirals into focus from the rough cuts. so much better and faster and more accurate than any grinder. i needed it. i haven't gotten to the point in too long :)

here is a good link to some information on stone carving by sculptor Mark Carroll - a tutorial, tools and stone types are covered. http://www.thesculpturestudio.com/stone_carving_tutorial.htm

behave and be brave. love and dust.