indoor sculpture
I am now listing carving stone on my website, www.mikemccarthysculptor.com, under the Art Work drop down. Below are two of the blocks that are currently listed on the site. I will primarily have Indiana Limestone for sale for now. However, I plan to add other stones as they become available. I will also be listing some gently used tools on this page as well so check back often.
Block 101 - aprox 46lbs. - 9" x 5" x 12" - $15
Block 102 - aprox 90lbs. - 10" x 8" x 12" - $20
Well, I have made it! the worst part of a sculpture is done. I really don't like doing the sanding on a sculpture. Maybe when I am famous I will hire an apprentice to do this hated task...lol! Seriously, I don't like to sand. But, the results are what they are. If you don't spend time sanding, you don't get the perfection a piece deserves. It is not fun, but it is necessary!
I will finish this piece tomorrow. I filed and sanded all of the bruises and scratches out today. It is sanded to 40 grit. That may not seem like much, given that I have to go to 400 grit paper, but the worst is over. Most of the work is done with the files and the lower grit papers. I will go to 60, 100, 220 and end with 400 grit paper. I think I will leave this one unwaxed. I like the dull finish. That has yet to be determined, but I am leaning that way. Stay tuned and I will post the final piece tomorrow!
As I move towards completion on this sculpture from Indiana Limestone, I realize that "Vortex" is not the name for this one. I have settled on "Peace Lilly" The shape is so much more peaceful and serene than "Vortex" indicates. It has too gracefully of curves and lines to name it "Vortex". As I complete the piece, we will see if it sticks, but for now, "Peace Lilly" it is.
As for progress on this piece, it is entering its final stages. I am in the sanding process. This is the only part of sculpting stone that I don't enjoy. It is a necessary evil to end up with a really cool piece. I think I have one or two more days and then it will be complete and ready to move to a garden near you!
In todays news...I received 2 new stone carving chisels in the mail today! I know many would ask whats the big deal, but for me, I am in heaven when I get new tools. I decided to get some larger tools to work on "Cir Liberum". I hope these tools will help me fly through the stone!! The toothed chisel is 2.5" wide. the Flat is 1.25" wide. I will let you all know how well they carve in a bit. (I know you can't wait for the update!!)
The latest progress shot of "Vortex"
On my "in-progress-work" page, I have posted an update on "Vortex" as well as a new untitled (for now) alabaster piece.
"Vortex" is starting to take shape. This is a larger gallery scale work I am carving. It started as a 250 pound block of Indiana Limestone. It has lost a lot of weight and is now down to where I can at least lift it to the carving table without a crane. I am working on thinning out the entire piece as well as refining the shape. I think the progress is good. I have not decided if I will penetrate the sides of the piece yet, but right now, I am leaning towards it. We will have to see what happens as I move towards completion. I plan to show this piece in the show at "KORE Gallery" in October.
Untitled new work in Turtle Shell Alabaster
The second piece is a new alabaster work. This is the first time I have worked with a stone called Turtle Shell Alabaster. The stone is really unique. However, it is very difficult to carve. the alabaster falls apart very easily. Yet, it is also a very hard stone. It is hard to describe, but I can assure you, it will be worth the effort.