Splitting Stone with Feathers and Wedges

I have a new block of marble coming in next week for a grave monument I will be carving for a local cemetery, Cave Hill. The block will be nearly six feet long and I cannot be over four feet. It is also 20” x 25”, so I will be using feathers and wedges to split off the nearly two feet of stone I don’t need. This process is as old as the ancient masters. The method is a combination of hole drilling and pressure. The feathers are placed in drilled holes. A wedge is then pounded between the feathers. Over time, the pressure of the wedges against the feathers splits the stone. It is a super cool process! Below, I have added a video link from my YouTube page the shows me splitting a block of limestone. Check it out.

https://youtu.be/2wCUbvKy0qs?si=7C7TMQeoVz8CT0aE

“My Brain Won’t Stop” video goes over 1200 views on YouTube

I don’t do a lot of publishing on YouTube, so I don’t have a history of what is good or not when it comes to views. However, my latest video “Carving My Brain Won’t Stop” has done really well. It hit 1000 views in the first two days. As of this writing, it has 1282 views and 36 likes. The closest to that of video I have published is “Splitting Indiana Limestone Using Feathers and Wedges”. I published that one six years ago and it has 794 views. So, quite the change.

I really enjoy putting videos together that show the process of carving stone. I believe it is a dying expression of art. I hope these videos will inspire others to try it. I am totally in love wit carving stone and hope others will find that same feeling.

Check out and give a like to my “Carving My Brain Won’t Stop” video by clicking on the link below:

https://youtu.be/OrfljaL93EI?si=LfslQmmwCYrKg8NS

You can also see “Splitting Indiana Limestone Using Feathers and Wedges” by clicking on this link:

https://youtu.be/2wCUbvKy0qs?si=pbLZ3o3R2kJ8QKgJ

What is Creativity?

I consider myself a creative person, many folks I talk to say they don’t have a creative bone in their body. I find that interesting and love to hear what people think of when they use the word creativity and how they describe creativity.

For me, creativity is using imagination to solve problems. In my opinion, it is not exclusive to art, although it is critical for the artistic process.

What are your thoughts? How do you answer the question “What is Creativity?”

Sanding an Indiana Limestone horse head sculpture that is headed for New York

Here is a short video of some of the finishing work on one of my 12 Indiana Limestone horse heads that are going to Long Island, New York.

The Making of "Resurrection Stone Bench" for St. Mary's of the Knobs in New Albany, IN.

This video shows the carving of the “Resurrection Burial Bench” for St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church in New Albany, IN. It shows from the beginning as a raw block of Indiana Limestone to the final placement of the completed sculpture in St. Mary’s sanctuary as part of their Rosary walk.

Rocks for Christmas

You know you have been good when your wife gets you rocks for Christmas! The best wife ever got me a piece of cream soapstone, black soapstone and one of my favorites, translucent white alabaster.it’s always good to open these types of packages!

The "Hotel Series" is Complete

“My Heart” - Part of the “Hotel Series” - Alabaster

So what do you do when you are stuck out of town for work? More importantly, when you are there for several weeks at a time? Do you watch a lot of movies, go for walks, workout at the hotel pool or gym? All of those are fine ideas. But what I think is a better one is to bring along a piece of stone and do a little carving! That’s right, I said bring along a piece of stone and carve away.

“From the Beginning to the End” - Part of the “Hotel Series” - Indiana Limestone

“Masquerade” - Part of the “Hotel Series” - Soapstone

This does take a little planning and thought. For instance, stone is heavy. So, the piece you choose to bring along has to be a small enough piece that it will fit in your luggage and not make it weigh too much. You also need tools. The only tools I think travel well, don’t make a mess, and don’t make too much noise are rasps. However, rasps can not be carried on a plane, so you have to check a bag. Be prepared to have your luggage checked by the TSA. I typically get one of their love notes in my luggage saying they have inspected the contents. Finally, you have to prepare the room you are going to work so you don’t create a mess for the cleaning staff. I typically use a towel laid out that I can then shake into a garbage bag or can.

Thought it all through? Good, you are all set. Think of the great dedicated carving time you could have when you are stuck in a town where you don’t really want to be. Bring along a stone and some tools and create some beautiful art!

The three photos in this article are all pieces I worked on over the last month while out of town for an installation. I only did the rough out then brought them back for the final sanding, polishing and basing. Bringing along some stone is a great way for me to not hate having to travel for work.

What Is Your Favorite Sculpture

I am asked sometimes, "What is your favorite piece you have done?" I typically answer that I really don't have a favorite piece. Partly, it is hard to remember all of the pieces I have done. I have been carving stone seriously for about six or seven years and I can be prolific. My former college professor used to answer that question; "The next one." I would have to agree. I think most artists are not satisfied with their work. We tend to see all of the problems and focus on them. It is always best if I have a deadline so that I know when I am done. It is also best if my work goes away. I don't like seeing it around because again, I focus on those little details that are not working. All that said, I do have a few pieces that I have done recently that if I had to pick which is my favorite, it would be one of these shown in this article.

“Into The Wind” Indiana Limestone Sculpture

“Wisdom” Indiana Limestone