Selecting the right stone for me is as important as a painter using the correct canvas and brushes for their piece. Here are some of my favourite stones to work with and a bit more about them.The three stones described below are some of my most recent sculptures.
Chlorite is the group name for about 10 related minerals. However, the term Chlorite can be used both to describe the group in general, or as a specific term to describe any green member of the Chlorite group whose exact identity is not practical to be determined. Although Chlorite is not recognized as an individual mineral species by the IMA, mineral collectors still refer to it by its traditional name.
The piece Adams Stone was fashioned from a single piece of Pyrophyllite, (commonly called Wonder stone by most sculptors and carvers). The stone is composed of aluminum hydroxide. Typically associated minerals include: kyanite, andalusite, topaz, mica, and quartz. The stone used for this sculpture is purple “Wonder stone”.
Kisii Stone is mined in south western Kenya. The term "Kisii" is taken from the regional capital of Kisii, which is also the local language spoken by the Gussi tribe, who are the main inhabitants.
This stone is called “Soap Stone” in Kenya, but it is a much harder soapstone then the Brazilian or Indian soapstone.
I select these types of rocks because they are soft enough that I am able to transform them by hand. I do not sculpt with the use of any power tools as I want the connection of the natural vibration of the rock to remain in tact during the entire sculpting process.
Edward H.