Laborers commemorative sculpture

[Sam]

A breathtaking masterpiece of monumental proportion! Simply unbelievable, Walter. After doing a fair amount of study on Michelangelo before our last trip to Italy, I have an even greater appreciation for the artistry and labor in a project like this. From lettering to figures...you've about covered it all! I hope one day I can see it in person. :bow:

 

[Gargoyle]

Your work is both stunning and amazing! How you can go about this especially in something as unforgiving as stone just baffles me. Thanks for sharing! Seth

It shouldn't be baffling. It's the same thing all you engravers do, except ten times as large, in three dimensions, and in an inconsistent, variable material.

(well, 10 times as large measured linear, if you figure square inches of surface area that becomes 100 times as large. )

 

[Tira]

It's always fascinating to see your work. Thanks for posting.

 

[Gargoyle]

Looks great! Not half bad for an Illinois fella

Then you might also enjoy this video of a good friend of mine from Indiana, Cary Shafer, carving a figure in limestone:
[video]http://youtu.be/_oM0ooKpKeM[/video]

 

[Gargoyle]

It's been going slowly the past week, but it's almost there. I still have a lot to do on the right hand figure, and I'm not sure if I want to delineate the bridge in the background any further.

I enlarged the stars and worked on the arms of the hod carrier (the figure on the left). Any other suggestions or things that jump out at you, let me know.

Oh, I just remembered, my wife pointed out something I have to clean up with the pick axe, I'll do that in the morning.

On the detail shot, the woman with the axe was unfinished- legs and boots mainly; on the full shot, I'd done those things.

 

[Mike Fennell]

You are an amazing artist, Walter.

Luckily we have many opportunities to view some of your works, since so many of your pieces reside in he Chicago area as well as other major cities. It would be a great experience to be able to visit your studio one day.

Mike Fennell

 

[graniteguy52]

Gargoyle,
This work amazes me! I've carved wood for many years, and worked granite and marble for the last 15 - trying to see what's in a 2 ton block of stone, with only a hammer & chisel in my hand totally would make me want to look for a new profession. The thought of making the wrong chisel stroke, or hitting something too hard - not a good thing to think about. You must have trained for many years.
Thanks for sharing your monumental skills.

 

[Gargoyle]

Front side is done, now I'm starting on the back. It will have five shallow reliefs, four represent major projects they've done, in the center will be their logo, and above it scrolls with words.