Due to various adversities, I reluctantly took a hiatus from the Crawl for the last two years. During that time, my collection became somewhat depleted. I’m happy to say I’m determined to get my hand back in this year and I’ve gotten started early enough that I’m confident in putting up a good show even though I’m still not hitting on all cylinders. Here are the first few treasures to emerge from my studio in 2019. More on the way . . . !
(If you click on these images, most of them will give you a larger look.)
During my convalescence, I wasn’t able to muscle the heavy stones up to the tools; but I could manage small things. Here are a couple of examples of the unique 'bling' designs that eternally swirl around in my head. As you can see, I like rings that are outrageous and I’m finding that there are a few folk out there who share the taste.
Some years ago, a member of our stone sculptors association discovered a remarkable crystallized limestone called by its discoverer 'Picasso Marble.' Sandra Bilawich and I carved a few pieces from it and we both marvelled at its gorgeous color. The old prospector who owns the dig (it’s in the boondocks of Utah) then fell out of sight for about ten years. Eureka!— I was able to track him down again this year and succeeded in acquiring a stash from which I will be making some fine pieces to feature at this year’s Crawl. Here are a couple of them. If you look closely, you can see that I’ve been able to create a ring around the neck of this mother and chick waterbird couple . What fun! As well, just look at the markings in this stunning little whale’s tail. More fun! There will be several more nice pieces; come and lookie-touchie!
Two years ago, they found a remarkable small "lense" of jade not far from the Polar site in northern BC. I had the good fortune to acquire one small block; this is the first thing that came to mind when I set about carving it. I call it 'Snowflurry Jade.'
This ring and the little golden-crowned bird on the right are carved from a transluscent chalcedony, another new discovery for me this year. That remarkable stone is commonly called 'agate.' by the beachcombers of Haida Gwai where it is found .
Those are 'Ring-Geese' the ring is hanging on, i.e., little long-necked birds I have carved from Carrara Marble.
This year’s Art Crawl feature:
Picasso Marble!