Fall 2007
Frequently Asked Questions:
Presidential Seal at Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich., carved from Indiana Buff Limestone.
Photo courtesy of Harold C. Vogel
By Jennie Farnsworth
Building Stone Magazine sat down with Jerry Williams of Barre Sculpture Studios to find out his perspective on some often-asked questions about stone sculpting. Here's what he told us.
QUESTION: Whatever happened to hand-carved, ornamental features in stone exterior and interior architecture?
Ornamental features have fallen out of favor with most modern architects, partly because, in my opinion, their buildings are themselves considered sculpture and adding ornaments would be superfluous. Also, there is little regard for "old world" craftsmanship in today's buildings. Some day, CAD will be considered "old world."
Another possible reason is that carved work must be incorporated into the building plans, especially exterior stonework, so that the work can be done before the building is constructed. This complicates blueprints and may require models or other custom pattern work for duplication in stone. Making the carving integral to the structure cannot be an afterthought.
Produced by Giallo Fantasia Granite, this piece was honed for a private residence in Delafield, Wis.
Photo courtesy of Carved Stone Creations, Inc.
A third reason may be the lack of skilled professionals in the United States who can execute the design work and intricate carving. Skilled carvers are becoming difficult to find, as the market for their work is steadily disappearing. And China may not be the answer to this problem, as it seems to be for everything else.
Expense is always sited as a concern, but stone is relatively cheap compared to some of the materials modern architects use. Even with the added value of hand-sculptured details, it's still a bargain per square foot compared to materials like titanium, stainless steel, curved glass and some of the more exotic cast composites.
Carved ornament and sculptured detailing may be out of the reach of most homeowners, but should be given a second look in the higher end construction projects.
QUESTION: How do I find a competent sculptor with experience in hand carving stone?
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"Speranza," an example of T. Barny's trademark mobius sculptures.
Photo courtesy of T. Barny |
Some advertise in trade journals, but you'll have better luck on the Internet. Google granite, marble or stone sculpture and there will be thousands of listings. Most are "fine artists" who do work for gallery sales and commissioned work and will show examples of their work on their websites.
Some deal with "hardscapes" and natural stone construction, basically masons. But there are some very creative masons. There won't be many examples of carved work on these sites.
With a little luck, an informed search will turn up a few likely candidates with the breadth of knowledge and expertise required for your project. Look at a variety of work. The styles, workmanship and professionalism will vary greatly and the best will have a good combination of all these traits.
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This sculpture, ManakiNekko, was carved from Indiana limestone
Photo courtesy of Carl Berney
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QUESTION: Where can I learn how to carve stone?
If you have a few years you can apprentice to a professional stone carver, but if you don't start making him money soon you won't last long. An average apprenticeship may last two to five years depending on how fast you pick things up, how much natural ability you have, and how much experience you can gain from your mentor.
If you don't have that much time and only need a specific skill set, many sculptors will do week long or two week workshops geared for intensive training in certain areas, like carving from the model, enlarging, or learning how to handle the tools of the trade. Again, an Internet search may provide the solution. Find a sculptor whose work impresses you and give him or her a phone call. Workshops provide some sculptors additional income when things are slow, but be prepared to pay for the time of a seasoned professional; it will be worth every penny.
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