"Peace Lilly" is nearly complete!

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!

"Vortex" is going through a name change to "Peace Lilly"

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!

New Chisels from Trow and Holden

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!!)

Progress Being Made

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.

Is That A Zombie I See?

"Clip", as it was originally designed.

I love Indiana Limestone because it is perfect for a garden. I also love carving anything related to the human figure. I got the best of both worlds with this Indiana Limestone hand I carved for a combined poetry and art project. The idea was to create a piece of art that was related to a poem. The poet (also named Michael) and I created an anti-technology themed piece that was all about the overuse of technology as a way to communicate. Unfortunately, the pinky was broken off and had to be repaired. At that point, I decided not to sell it and place it in our garden. I love it there!!

My preferred setting

While I liked the collaboration, I like the hand living in the garden better. Others agree. I have even sold a commissioned hand as a result of a social media post. That means it is now in the perfect setting, right?

Unfortunately, my wife disagrees. She does not like the "zombie" effect that the hand has. She was not alone. "Creepy" was a familiar comment when I posted it on Facebook and Instagram. It was pretty clear that men loved it but, most women... well, not so much! I still like the garden setting and figure, it is a little heavy for my wife to move! Leave a comment about your thoughts.

A Sculptors Heaven

Some may say that the picture below is boring. Some may say, "That looks like a lot of nothing". I say, "I am in heaven!!"

Two weeks ago, I went with a friend of mine and fellow sculptor, Karen Terhune to pick out the quarry rocks for my commission "For Liberum". We drove a short way up to just outside Bedford, Indiana to the quarries of Indiana Limestone Company. We met with Brent Blackwell, the best quarry man in the business, to pick out the blocks for the commission. The pictures are of just a few of the blocks that are available.

As you look at the photos, the blocks you see are mostly 25000 to 32000 pounds. Thats a big rock!!  The one with Karen standing next to it is a small rock. It is only 10000 pounds.

I picked out three blocks. They are 28000, 29000 and 32000 pounds. The quarry is going to do a few cuts for me to simplify the carving process. I will be receiving the blocks in a few weeks. I will post as they come in.

The KYANA Outdoor Sculptors Guild Invitational opens to a great crowd inspite of the rain!

The opening reception for the first KYANA Outdoor Sculptors Guild Invitational was Friday, May 12. The reception took place at Bob Hill's Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden in Utica, IN.

At first, it appeared that the weather was not going to cooperate. The day started off rainy and  cool. However, by around 4:00 pm the rain gave up and the weather changed. It turned out to be a beautiful evening for the reception. The crowd was great, the food and music were great, the grounds were beautiful, but most of all, the art is stunning!

Opening night saw 3 pieces find new permanent homes. Mary Dennis Kanapell's "Garden Guardian" was the inaugural sale. Don Lawler's "Ghost Dancers" limestone sculpture followed soon after. My "Dance" completed the first days sales. 

The show is open until August 11, 2017. If you were scared off by the weather on Friday, head on out between now and August 11 and enjoy some beautiful art in a beautiful setting. Consider giving one of the other 40+ works of art a permanent home.

"Garden Guardian" by Mary Dennis Kanapell

"Ghost Dancers" by Don Lawler

"Dance" by Mike McCarthy

My Carving Progression

With all things, it is typically the goal of any individual to improve their skill or proficiency. That is definitely the case for me when it comes to my sculpture. In particular, improving my skill at sculpting the human face has been my biggest focus. I have made quit a bit of progress over the last 6 years. After graduating with a  degree in Fine Art degree from Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY, I did not focus on my art in any meaningful way. However, after being encouraged to join PYRO Gallery for several years, I finally got serious. I joined the gallery and now carve every day. I have attached some pictures to show the progress I have made in carving the human face.

"Growth" is the first face I ever carved. Not bad, but needed some work You can see I avoided the mouth!.

"Sylvanus" is the second face I carved. Again, I avoided the mouth. It is still very flat, but the eyes are more even. This piece is also very large scale so it was easier.

"Francis" was the fifth face I had carved. The face is much rounder and truer than previous attempts. I am still avoiding the mouth at this point.

"Zephyr and Flora" were the sixth and seventh faces I carved. Again, much rounder and finally attempted a mouth. With Flora, I finally started to feel like I was getting it.

"If the Spirit is Willing" is my ninth and latest face. She was just completed in May of 2017. Finally a full face. It has taken me a bit to get here. My nest steps are to work on expression.