Contemporary Stone Sculpture

Explore and create modern stone sculpture, with 357 photos of examples by today's top sculptors and step-by-step instructions for creating your own. Descriptions of stone types, how to select and transport it, how to carve with hand tools and electric or pneumatic power tools, and the methods of finishing the work.

Surveys the work of prominent contemporary sculptors and presents a guide to the techniques, tools, and materials of stone sculpture

Contemporary Sculpture II : worked stone quarry - marble work, photography, worked stone photography

Creating a successful sculpture requires an imaginative concept and a sound design that utilize the potential and avoid the limitations of the material and the process used in making it. Prior to a few decades ago, most sculptors were restricted to carving stone and wood or casting plaster, ceramics and bronze for their creations. Contemporary sculptors, however, are no longer bound by the limitations of these traditional materials and processes, and can now create works in sizes, forms and textures that could not have been achieved previously. Many modern sculptures are now made from materials ranging from steel and aluminum to plastics and composites using processes ranging from welding and adhesive bonding to molding and 3D printing. To fully utilize the full potential of such new materials, the sculptor needs to understand their points of strength, their limitations, and the most effective way of shaping them to achieve a given design. Although this book is written by a materials engineer, the subject matter is presented from the point of view of the sculptor with emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of different materials, their resistance to weather conditions, natural color and possible surface textures, possible methods of shaping and joining, tools and equipment needed, and safety measures to take. Whenever possible, case studies are used to illustrate the sequence of processes and the cost elements involved in shaping a given material to create an actual work of sculpture.

Zimbabwe's stone sculpture is unique, not only because of its individual form and content, which is highly valued and acclaimed in the art centres of the world, but because it springs from indigenous talent that lay hidden until the 1960s. This book explores the creativity and craftsmanship of the Shona, Chewa, Yao and Mbunda artists who have earnt international recognition for their remarkable work. Contemporary Stone Sculpture in Zimbabwe provides a fascinating overview of an intriguing art form and is likely to become the standard work on the subject.