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Subject: Soapstone scuplting

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Johanna

Posts:269
02/10/2009 8:10 PM Alert 

Hi Everyone.

It has been a while since I have done any art. Life seems to take on an art of its own. I noticed that you have added sculpting to the arts.

This is a eagle that I had done a while back. The bear is still a work in progress. It is a great feeling to be able to work with stone. Love the feel of it when sanding. This piece of soapstone has serpintine in it and tends to be more durable than other soapstone. The eagle was my very first carving.

Happy painting to all. Johanna








Claire
Posts:11
02/11/2009 9:05 AM Alert 
Hi, Johanna,

Your soapstone sculptures make me want to pick them up and feel the smoothness of the eagle and the roughness of the bear. I know you said the bear isn't finished, but I like the texture it seems to have in the photo.

You mention sanding the soapstone. I assume you chiseled first? Maybe you wouldn't mind briefly describing the process and telling us how you got into this medium.

(I'm fairly new here, and full of questions.)

Claire
Jim

Posts:2814
02/11/2009 10:29 AM Alert 
Your Eagle is beautiful! The bear looks like it has a nice start to it.
Look forward to seeing its completion.
All the best,
Jim

www.paintingsbyjim.com
Kim

Posts:941
02/13/2009 2:02 PM Alert 
I know nothing about soapstone, but working with it looks like it would require a LOT of patience. I admire your skill and perseverance. These have a beautiful shape and are very attractive.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." ~ Picasso
www.nmdesertmoonstudio.blogspot.com
Johanna

Posts:269
03/09/2009 7:24 AM Alert 
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock. Also known as a soaprock, because of its feel. Its main component is talc. It is used to make countertops sinks cookware for stoves etc. If heated it will keep the warmth a long time. Talc is also used in things like paint chewing gum etc.
It is easy to carve. You may use ordinary tools like hack saw for cutting, rotary tools for grinding ans carving. chisels for carving. It is wise to use tools that have a crabide tip. To finish it you wet sand, going from a course sandpaper to the finest. Always sand with water.
To begin 3d carving. Make a side view outline of the character or thing you would like to carve on a piece of paper. Visualize something dissected in half. Get a block of wood, clay, soapstone, or other material that you may want to try to carve. It is much easier to work with if the material is squared. Transfer the outline of the thing you want to carve on your block of stone. Then begin by cutting out the basic side view. To do this use a hand saw and not a jigsaw like I did the first time. The vibration of the jigsaw cracked my stone. One thing is certain. Soapstone will bring out the patience that you never new you had in you.
When you have the outline cut out then mark center line in the middle of the carving from top to bottom. Always work from center line outward. The two sides should be symmetrical on each side of the center line if you are carving a bird animal or human. Once you have it to the shape that you want you may start sanding. It is a slow process. Always dipping your work and wet sandpaper in a bucket of water. You can feel the smoothness in your hand. When that stage is done. You may heat the stone in the oven , then cover with mineral oil in several layer, or using a wax to finish. This should bring out the rich color in the stone as well as the beautiful veins and look of the stone. It is a dusty job and not one you would like to undertake in the house. Something special about working in 3d. Very rewarding. If you would like to practice you may just carve a block of wax.
This is just a very brief outline of how it is done. I did not want to bore you with great detail. The best is just to try and do it. Then you will see. Good luck. Give it a whirl. It is fun and very inspiring.
A stone is a living thing. Has energy. Johanna

ps. Do not use permenent marker on your rock as it will absorb it and it will be their to stay.
Pearl

Posts:194
03/09/2009 1:55 PM Alert 
Your carvings are both wonderful, each in their own way. I love the bear just the way he is,I find his unfinished roughness very appealing . Very good work on both and it was interesting to read your information about the process .
Pearl

web page.. pearlotaylor.com
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