The initial block of Boticcino Marble
roughing out the figure
I have decided what I will carve form a block of Boticcino marble form Italy the I purchased last year. It started out as a block that is 2800 pounds. I purchased this block from another artist that had already started carving on it. I didn't ask what their plans for the block were as I did not want to be influenced by that.
I really liked the section that is sticking up on the right side and thought it looked like an arm sticking up. So, I have started in on what will be a 2/3 scale female nude. She will be reclining when completed. I have also decided to complete this piece primarily with hand tools. (At least for the roughing out. I may not be able to deal with the hand finishing!) I just finished listening to "The Agony And The Ecstasy", the story of Michelangelo's life. I was in awe over the descriptions of his marble work. I have been to Italy and seen all of his major work. I thought this would be a nice tribute piece to him. We will see how far I get before the power comes out!