My Latest Alabaster Stone Carving - Part 1

Had a great meeting today with the couple, Steve and Jane, on the stone carving I am creating for them. They purchased two of my bronze sculptures, The Glassblower and The Stone Sculptor. Jane and Steve told me what they were looking for in the stone, so I did a drawing once I got the stone and emailed it to them.

They had some concerns about the drawing which is why we met today. Along with the sketch I sent them, I also showed them the clay model I made. I always do a clay maquette before I start carving as it is easier for me to see what to carve.

They loved the piece, just wanted the figure to be slimmed down a bit through the legs and thighs. Easy enough.

So I have started working on the stone when I got home from our meet. This is my sketch and photo of the stone and clay maquette.

                           

Tools/Materials 4 sandbags - made from a pair of cut up jeans 1.5 lb. Milani Soft Iron hammer Steel Chisels from Milani: small & med point,                          small & med flat, small 4-tooth Milani Rasps: 8” - #657, #660, #662, #667, #664 Safety Glasses with 2.5x bifocals Shock absorbing Veleco fingerless gloves 3M 7093 Double Respirator labeled P100 Aleve – no surprise here Mario’s Italian White Translucent Alabaster 35lbs.

Blue-Emu Penetrating Gel –      For my arthritic hands Clay Maquette of figure Calipers/dividers 18” Ruler/blue crayon 3M Sandpaper wet/dry: 165-800grit Kiwi Neutral Paste Wax Black & Decker Sawhorse Rubber Floor Pad Dremel - for tight areas of sanding Crosscut wood saw