Of course. But this sculpture is a commission so not available unfortunately…
One more day of sanding I think before this sculpture is ready for powder coating with a clear UV resistant finish.
And then it’ll be done.
Not the most complicated or detailed sculpture I’ve done, but in terms of scale, this is the biggest at just over 2 1/2 feet tall.
This stone is also very different from the marble, limestone or slate that I usually carve. The crystalline nature of honeycomb calcite is far more prominent, presenting a unique set of difficulties when working it. The translucent nature of the stone is a double edged sword. On the one hand it adds an unparalleled visual depth, but the catch is that when sanding and polishing, any scratches or mashed crystals will be readily apparent. It’s not a hard stone like granite, but in my experience honeycomb calcite is definitely a DIFFICULT stone to carve.
"Imagine, everything there is and everything that will ever be, divided by 21 million.” -Knut Svanholm
Thank you. Still a few more days of work left but almost there.🤝
It is unfortunately. My understanding is that it’s a stone that forms in veins near other stones and they only really dig it up incidentally while quarrying for other stuff. It does come up, but not as often as I’d like. Also to be honest I don’t love carving it. It’s fragile and requires only using angle grinders or saws. No hammer and chisel. And sanding it is rough too because of how translucent it is. It’s definitely beautiful, but I prefer working in marble…
Lol not a table but I’m open to making one… the big orange guy is for a commission so it’s already taken..
Private commission. But hopefully the owners will show it off at a conference
Close but not quite. This is orange honeycomb calcite from Utah.
Thanks. This is also the back side. The front has more inclusions and color variety.
AI is great and all, but I prefer natural materials formed over millions of years as calcium carbonate precipitates from mineral-rich groundwater in sedimentary environments, gradually crystallizing into an orange, honeycomb pattern of fibrous crystals separated by white calcite membranes.
Unfortunately this stone can lose its color over time in the sun… when it’s done it’ll get powder coated with a clear uv resistant finish and then it’s going indoors… but it should get some good lighting.
I’m not actually sure anymore. I’d guess between 300-400lbs
When your hand starts cramping from sanding all day, it’s time to stop…
It looks good with water sprayed on the surface, but the back and the two holes are only sanded to about 100 grit so far.
So close to done I can feel it, but I’ve got a few more days to go…
⚒️DONE⚒️
Still deciding on when, where and how I’ll offer this unique piece, but stay tuned.
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