"They Influence How We Think" an Alabaster and Aluminum Wire Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Mechanically Balanced Mind" Alabaster Sculpture Carved By Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Time Spent In My Head" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"My Brain Won't Stop" Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Washed Away" and Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Society's Decay" a Figurative Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Torn Apart"
       
     
"Inquisitive" a Soapstone and Steel Sculpture on a Marble Base by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Untitled Figurative Sculpture carved in Alabaster by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Mother's Love" a Contemporary Figurative Sculpture Carved from Soapstone on a Steel and Lacquered Base
       
     
"Unmasked" a Contemporary Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Minds Eye", a Sculpture Carved From Old Encyclopedias by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Spoken Word" is a contemporary sculpture by Mike McCarthy that is carved from old reference books and encyclopedias
       
     
"Female Nude Torso"
       
     
Thinker
       
     
“Sealed with a Kiss 2”
       
     
"Hawk" - Soapstone, Walnut and Steel Sculpture
       
     
"Maime"
       
     
"Dog" - Harvest Gold Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
"The Chase" - A Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Running Free"
       
     
"Into The Wind" - Indiana Limestone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Baboon Mask" Contemporary Soapstone Sculpture
       
     
"Yin and Yang Go Fishing"
       
     
"Winter Rose" a Contemporary Stone Sculpture Hand Carved by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Indiana Limestone Vessel
       
     
"Peace Lilly"
       
     
"Seahorse" Italian Blue Ice Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
"Windswept" - Bordigilo Marble Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Broken Sphere of Influence" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Untitled Contemporary Dendritic Soapstone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Tortoise Shell Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
"They Influence How We Think" an Alabaster and Aluminum Wire Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"They Influence How We Think" an Alabaster and Aluminum Wire Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

“They Influence How We Think” is an Alabaster and Aluminum Wire sculpture that is the fourth sculpture in my “Mechanical Head” series and is also part of my “Couch Carving” series. This piece has a small figure nesteled among the gears on the back of the sculpture that is gripping the wire to pull the mind in the direction it desires. The alabaster I carved for this piece is a really vibrant piece. the grain really worked well and influenced how I thought about mounting the piece.

"Mechanically Balanced Mind" Alabaster Sculpture Carved By Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Mechanically Balanced Mind" Alabaster Sculpture Carved By Mike McCarthy

This contemporary alabaster sculpture is carved from a small block of alabaster. It is the third of my "Mechanical Head" series and is also part of my"Couch Carving Series". the "Couch Carvings" are primarily carved using rasps, knives and a small micrometer. This is the first where I have incorporated belts in the carving of the gears. This sculpture measures 7" x 4" x 4".

"Time Spent In My Head" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Time Spent In My Head" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This contemporary figurative sculpture was carved from a block of alabaster. It is mounted on a steel and stone base and measures 11" x 6" x 6" and is part of a private collection in Orlando, FL. This is the second sculpture in my "Mechanical Head" Series and is also part of my "Couch Carving" series.

"My Brain Won't Stop" Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"My Brain Won't Stop" Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This is part of my “Mechanical Head” Series. It is carved from a block of Alabaster and is 8” tall x 3” wide x 3” deep. The gears are a metephorefor the struggle my brain has to stop thinking about all of the sculptures I have yet to do.

"Washed Away" and Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Washed Away" and Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This Alabaster Sculpture is part of the Couch Carving series. This price reminds me of a person in a stream with the warter slowly flowing over them. The peacefulness is what I think is cool about this one.

"Society's Decay" a Figurative Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Society's Decay" a Figurative Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

“Society’s Decay” is carved from translucent white alabaster. She is 13” t x 7”w x 7”d. I have always loved working on figurative sculpture. This piece was particularly hard though as I had to understand where the rest of the face that is not there would have been so the balance of the head that is there still made sense. I really like how she turned out.

"Torn Apart"
       
     
"Torn Apart"

“Torn Apart” is and alabaster sculpture carved from Colorado alabaster. It is another in my series of figurative sculptures. focusing on the face. I continue to. work on expressing emotion with my carved faces. I think the figure is a challenging subject that keeps me working on my skill, sight and design.

"Inquisitive" a Soapstone and Steel Sculpture on a Marble Base by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Inquisitive" a Soapstone and Steel Sculpture on a Marble Base by Mike McCarthy

“Inquisitive” was hand carved from a block of soapstone. I then mounted her to a steel rod and placed her on a marble base. She has a sweet look that reminds me of a younger person who is asking many questions.

Untitled Figurative Sculpture carved in Alabaster by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Untitled Figurative Sculpture carved in Alabaster by Mike McCarthy

Alabaster figurative sculpture on a steel. and granite base. This piece is another in. my series of faces carved in stone.

"Mother's Love" a Contemporary Figurative Sculpture Carved from Soapstone on a Steel and Lacquered Base
       
     
"Mother's Love" a Contemporary Figurative Sculpture Carved from Soapstone on a Steel and Lacquered Base

“Mother’s Love” was hand carved from a block of soapstone. This contemporary figurative sculpture is mounted on a steel rod and placed on a lacquered wood base. Her closed eyes and slightly downward till give her the feel of love given by mothers to their children. Even with the natural edges of the stone, she has a peacefulness that conveys the love only given by a mother.

"Unmasked" a Contemporary Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Unmasked" a Contemporary Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

“Unmasked” is a contemporary wood sculpture carved from Cherry wood and driftwood. This sculpture is one of my favorite hands I have carved. I have lost track of this one though. It sold at a gallery that closed down after the sale. I never found out who bought it other than they were not local to Louisville.

"Minds Eye", a Sculpture Carved From Old Encyclopedias by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Minds Eye", a Sculpture Carved From Old Encyclopedias by Mike McCarthy

This sculpture is quite a departure for me. I have only carved stone over the last 10 years. Stone is all i think about. However, I was invited to participate in a show at Revelry Gallery titled “Alt”. The premise behind the show is to create art from unexpected materials. They gave me the suggestion of carving books. The carving was pretty easy, but the sanding was really tough. Bottom line though is that i had fun carving this “Alt” sculpture.

"Spoken Word" is a contemporary sculpture by Mike McCarthy that is carved from old reference books and encyclopedias
       
     
"Spoken Word" is a contemporary sculpture by Mike McCarthy that is carved from old reference books and encyclopedias
"Female Nude Torso"
       
     
"Female Nude Torso"

This Indiana Limestone sculpture is my first stone torso. I am pleased with the results. My next attempt is a just less than life size figure in Botticino Marble. It will be a full figure.

Thinker
       
     
Thinker

This contemporary figurative sculpture started out as a different piece that I was never happy with. I decided to remove it from its old base, flatten out a side and remount it. I am much happier with this version.

“Sealed with a Kiss 2”
       
     
“Sealed with a Kiss 2”

This alabaster sculpture of the human form is designed to be hung on a wall. It was carved by Mike McCarthy. The figurative sculpture is carved from white alabaster and is 4” x 3 1/2” x 2”.

"Hawk" - Soapstone, Walnut and Steel Sculpture
       
     
"Hawk" - Soapstone, Walnut and Steel Sculpture

This sculpture is Ade fro soapstone, walnut and steel. I really lie the forward ovens of the walnut. I thought it gave the hawk the look of movement. This piece is my first international sculpture. It was purchased and now resides in Mexico.

"Maime"
       
     
"Maime"

"Maime" was a commissioned sculpture carved from translucent white alabaster. She is mounted to a lacquered maple base.

"Dog" - Harvest Gold Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
"Dog" - Harvest Gold Alabaster Sculpture

This Harvest Gold Alabaster was a joy to carve. It was not too soft so that it held an edge. It was not too hard to where I was able to fly through the piece. When I posted this piece, it took all of 30 minutes before it was sold. I think the stone had a lot to do with that.

"The Chase" - A Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"The Chase" - A Wood Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

The Chase” is basswood sculpture is of two fish chasing each other around the found wood base. I don’t carve wood often. I really prefer stone. However, these two fish are a rare exception.

"Running Free"
       
     
"Running Free"

"Running Free" is a horse head sculpture carved from Black Pearl Soapstone from Virginia on an Indiana Limestone base. This sculpture is 20" x 8" x 13" 

"Into The Wind" - Indiana Limestone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Into The Wind" - Indiana Limestone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This horse bust is carved from Indiana Limestone. I then sanded and finished with Linseed oil and a clear coat. It roughly 120 pounds. This guy could go inside or outdoors.

"Baboon Mask" Contemporary Soapstone Sculpture
       
     
"Baboon Mask" Contemporary Soapstone Sculpture

“Baboon Mask”, 10”w x 9”d x 14”t, is a contemporary sculpture carved from soapstone. This particular variety os a very soft form of the stone. This piece started out as a realistic baboon face. I quickly realized this would not work. The stone was a very odd shape that did not allow for as much depth for the eyes as I originally wanted. I decided to change and go with a completely different direction and make the piece an abstract. I drilled all the way through where I had the eyes. After I did that, I was really happy with the depth it created and decided to go back to the baboon, just as a mask rather than a realistic piece. Carving stone is always a negotiation!

"Yin and Yang Go Fishing"
       
     
"Yin and Yang Go Fishing"

"Yin and Yang Go Fishing" is carved from Portuguese marble and mounted on a Stainless Steel and Lacquered hard wood base.

"Winter Rose" a Contemporary Stone Sculpture Hand Carved by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Winter Rose" a Contemporary Stone Sculpture Hand Carved by Mike McCarthy

“Winter Rose” is carved from a very beautiful black soapstone. It is mounted to a marble base. It’s nice flowing freeform lines and balance give it the feel of a delicate flower. The black color is the reason for the “Winter” part of the title.

Indiana Limestone Vessel
       
     
Indiana Limestone Vessel

This stone sculpture is a vessel carved from Indiana Limestone. I really like the contemporary feel of this piece. It is a bit different to have a gloss finish to Limestone. With this piece, I sanded it to 600 grit paper and put Linseed oil and a sealer on it. The oil and sealer gives it the warm color and the sheen. This piece is 12”t x 18”w x 16” d. This piece is suitable for either indoor or out door display. However, outdoor exposure will require regular maintenance to keep the finish refreshed.

"Peace Lilly"
       
     
"Peace Lilly"

"Peace Lilly" is carved from Indiana Limestone and can be an indoor or outdoor sculpture. It started its life being titled "Vortex". However, as I moved forward with the piece, that name just did not fit. Once the general shape emerged, it reminded me much more of a flower. As I looked at photos, there was one of a folded over peace lilly that really struck me. Thus the name. It is 29.5 x 19.5 x 12.75.

"Seahorse" Italian Blue Ice Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
"Seahorse" Italian Blue Ice Alabaster Sculpture

Even though I am color blind, I can see blue. It is my favorite color. It is logical then that Italian Blue Ice Alabaster is my favorite stone. It has a little transparency to it, not as much as white but it still glows. I also like this piece because of how simple the shape is.

"Windswept" - Bordigilo Marble Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Windswept" - Bordigilo Marble Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This untitled contemporary marble sculpture is a piece that was cut from a large nude I am working on. The marble has a significant bedding plane to it so it was a bit of a challenge to work. However, it held lines very well. I always like carving marble as it is reminiscent of the great masters work. It gives a different sense of being.

"Broken Sphere of Influence" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
"Broken Sphere of Influence" an Alabaster Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

“Broken Sphere of Influence” is a contemporary sculpture carved from Colorado Alabaster using primarily die grinders. I moved to hand rasps for the final shaping and used sand paper to polish this freeform sculpture. I polish to 2000 grit paper and then apply a coat of sealer and wax. This stone sculpture is 8” tall x 6” wide x 6” deep. It is mounted to a lacquered wood base.

Untitled Contemporary Dendritic Soapstone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy
       
     
Untitled Contemporary Dendritic Soapstone Sculpture by Mike McCarthy

This contemporary sculpture is carved from Dendritic Soapstone. This soapstone has petrified ferns in it. Those ferns are what you see in the darker patches. If you zoom in on the photo, you will see the ferns.

The sculpture is reminiscent of the human heart. I like the movement that this piece has. The gentle sweeps and curves provide an elegance that give a very soft feel to stone. That dichotomy always amazes me.

Tortoise Shell Alabaster Sculpture
       
     
Tortoise Shell Alabaster Sculpture

This Tortoise Shell Alabaster sculpture is finally finished. It was a long time in coming. I started it prior to beginning work on my Norton Hospital commission. While that was going on, I douldn’t work on this piece. Also, this piece took longer because it really fought back. This alabaster is brittle and has a varied density. That makes it pretty difficult to work. However, it was worth the effort as it is such a beautiful stone.