Stone Carving is Dusty, Grueling, ExcruCiating Work and I love Every Minute of it!
Geared up for battle in February: respirator, hearing protection, face shield, two knit hats, vest, jacket, insulated overalls, and a rubber bib apron. I waddle like a toddler in a snowsuit.
Working on the first S-curve split in the slab from which "Integrals of Life" will emerge. I had no idea whether this method would work - fingers and toes crossed!
Using the Big Saw on Three Diamonds. It's a 20-pound gas-powered water-cooled 14-inch cutoff saw with a 4.5" cutting depth - a monster to control.
Visiting one of the many Carrara marble quarries high up a mountain in coastal Italy. We're in clouds and I'm on a cloud.
Installing the base stone for Reflections, using an 11-foot tripod and 1-ton chainfall.
Standing on thin ice to carve Sunburst petroglyph in the east wall of the quarry at Stonehaven. I'm racing against a warming March sun that will rapidly melt the ice.
Using a flush-cut diamond blade to create a level base for All Wrapped Up.
Using a garden hose to help cool diamond-blade cutting on All Wrapped Up, wearing waterproof jacket and rain pants.
On a ladder on the ice in the frog pond in March during Covid, working on Turning a New Leaf. Viva La Dust!
Dragging tools across the ice to the derrick mast in the quarry for installing Fish Out Of Water.
Polishing features on Before The Kiss. Yes, that is a section of a beer cup duct-taped to my respirator - for deflecting exhaust downward.
Preparing to work on the dam extension at Stonehaven while the quarry water level is low enough to dispense with a temporary coffer dam.
Moving one of about 100 stones across the new wading pool to a stockpile for eventual sculptures.
2023: new carving station at Stonehaven is ready. I can now work outside in the shade or while it's snowing. Four fans make a wind tunnel for dust.
Carving our initials (KT & EV) in the back of Before The Kiss.
After installing Karibu Troli at the Meredith Art Walk up on Lake Winnipesaukee.
