The "Cor Liberum" birds are taking shape!

It has been a while since I have posted. This is largely due to the fact that I have been working late on getting the birds for "Cor Liberum" roughed out so I can bring them from the studio home. I prefer to carve at home when I can. I have the smallest one done. and last night, I really made progress on the largest. The wings still need to be thinned out some, but it is well on its way towards finishing out.

The largest of the "Cir Liberum" birds (upside down). The wing span is o little over 4 feet.

Unloading the "small" block - only 5000 lbs

So when Rick called me to let me know he was on his way to the studio he asked "Did you know you were getting 2 stones?" No, I did not know I was getting two stones. I knew about the 24000 pounder. I also knew I had two 17000 pound stones that were going to come sometime next month. I asked how heavy the small stone was the second stone. I knew how much work I had in getting the first one cut 24000 pounder cut down and knew I did not have room for the 17000 pounder yet. He said, "Its a small one...its only 5000 pounds." I breathed a sigh of relief. I told him to bring it on down. I could manage that. 

It was just 6 years ago that I started back carving stone and I thought 150 pounds was WAY too heavy!

"Cor Liberum" has really kicked off!

My commission for the Audubon Campus of Norton Hospital really got off to a running (or should I say Lifting) start this past week. I received a 24000 pound stone that will be transformed into the birds for the sculpture experience. After a few delays, I am very excited to be under way. Now, the "heavy lifting" of carving begins. This video is a little sped up so you can actually see progress!

"If The Spirit Is Willing" is featured in the magazine "Southern Indiana Living"

Its one thing to have your work make it into a magazine...quite another to have a full page photo of your work at the start of an article about the sculpture show it is part of!

I was thrilled to receive a call from a friend telling me that she had picked up a bunch of "Southern Indiana Living" magazine and was bringing them to me because it had an article about the show I had help to organize. When she told me that it had a full spread featuring my sculpture "If The Spirit Is Willing", I was over the moon. It is always an honor when you are recognized for the hard work it takes to produce your art. To have it featured so prominently is amazing!

"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!

"Cattails" has Found a New Home

"Cattails", a sculpture I carved from Indiana Limestone has found a new home. This sculpture is part of the First Annual KYANA Outdoor Sculptors Guild show at Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden in Utica, IN. I have three pieces entered in the show and now two have sold. With another month left in the show, I will eep my fingers crossed that I will go three for three in this show!

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!!)