"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!!)

Three New Drawings Added

"Horse Collage" Hand Colored Giclee Mounted on Canvas

"Lion Head" Hand Colored Giclee mounted in Black Matt

"Figure Study" Hand Colored Giclee Mounted on Canvas

I added three new drawings to my web site today. All three are giclee prints of black and white original drawings. "Horse Collage" and "Figure Study" wereoriginal black and white pencil drawings. "Lion Head" was an original black and white pen and ink drawing. However, once the print is made, I use colored pencil to apply color to them. By doing this, I make a one of a kind print. Since I am color blind, I am never sure what they look like to someone with normal color vision. I think some of them, especially "Horse Collage" look like old black and white photographs or films that have color added to them. It is kind of a cool effect. The other cool thing is that since I am color blind, I can never repeat the same colors on any print. This ensures that no two prints are ever the same.

The other unique thing about two of the prints is that I cropped the giclee to fit on a 12" x 12" canvas. I then mounted the prints on the canvas. The "Figure Study" and the "Horse Collage" are the two that are mounted to the canvas. (I have also done this with one of the "Bird Collage" as well.) I am not a painter at all. I had to paint in school, but I am pretty sure that is the last time I painted. I  joke that I have now begun my career as an artist working on canvas. I did have to paint the canvas black after all!

Click here Available Drawings to see these and other drawings on my web page.

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.

New Nude in Boticcino Marble

The initial block of Boticcino Marble

roughing out the figure

I have decided what I will carve form a block of Boticcino marble form Italy the I purchased last year. It started out as a block that is 2800 pounds. I purchased this block from another artist that had already started carving on it. I didn't ask what their plans for the block were as I did not want to be influenced by that. 

I really liked the section that is sticking up on the right side and thought it looked like an arm sticking up. So, I have started in on what will be a 2/3 scale female nude. She will be reclining when completed. I have also decided to complete this piece primarily with hand tools. (At least for the roughing out. I may not be able to deal with the hand finishing!) I just finished listening to "The Agony And The Ecstasy", the story of Michelangelo's life. I was in awe over the descriptions of his marble work. I have been to Italy and seen all of his major work. I thought this would be a nice tribute piece to him. We will see how far I get before the power comes out!

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.