First Steps

The first choice of the artist - which stone to use?

A rock or piece of stone is never an inert and homogenous mass - rather it can be seen as a potential masterpiece. With a bit of practice you will learn to pick out what the stone is suitable for, be it a simple geometric shape, or an exploit of its weirdness. 

Each stone is unique

Choose a stone the right size for your idea.

According to what you want to produce select a big or smaller stone. Start off with a medium sized stone or small one. Look at the stone from all angles to appreciate its volume. On the artistic side there are two angles - either your idea is pretty predetermined in terms of size and form, in which case take a block slightly bigger and work back, or you take a random piece and then work out what it is suitable for - this is by far the most interesting way of proceeding.

Create in total freedom

At first, start off with simple shapes and small work to get an idea of how the tools work. Rasp, saw, scratch and hollow out with little sense of direction and marvel at what you can achieve. Sculpture is, above all else, all about sensation of achievement, don't set out saying I'm going to create a perfect whale - then if it looks more like a dolphin or salmon you won't be really disappointed! Rather start off in the right direction and see what looks best - it may only be after a few hours work, or when a too larger lump breaks off that it looks really good. If you find that your ideas aren't working maybe they are too difficult - try something easier and maybe more abstract.

Use the characteristics of the stone.

In its natural state soapstone blocks are layered rather like silica or slate, if you are a beginner it may be an idea to avoid these stones as they can break rather easily - similarly if your work is destined to live outside again avoid these types of stones - if water gets in they become very fragile. On a general point all stones have small fissures in which generally interlace with each other and in no way disturb the sculptor. Like knots in wood they add to the charm of the stone, and with a bit of experience you soon learn to exploit these characteristics in an artistic way.