Stone Carving: An Insight into Sculptures and Types of Carvings

The stone sculpture is the oldest existing form of artistic expression. Stone working technicians have ideas and years of experience with them. Within the field, there is tremendous variety of stones and techniques leaving you with a wide pool to select from for your project. If you are intrigued by stone carving, here are more insights for you.

How are stone sculptures curved?

Traditionally, stone carving work is done manually using a hammer and a chisel. Through the years, artists have used this tools and their skill to create magnificent pieces. Beyond these tools, artists today have plenty of tools at their disposal. Ranging from pneumatic chisels, high pressure water jets, diamond tipped saws and industrial lasers. Some people fancy the traditionally sculptured stones for their vintage appearance and authenticity.

Types of stone carving

Since man discovered that he could make useful decorative or functional pieces by striking a stone and shaping it to the desired shape, he has never looked back on this art. Over the centuries, artists have been fascinated by various types of rocks and stone. The most commonly used include igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous Rocks

These have different characteristics depending on how they were formed. They are made under massive volcanic heat which results in basalt, diorite and granite rocks. These are some of favorite rocks used for sculpture.

Sedimentary

The loosened rock fragments from weathering are collected to a basin where they are compressed to a stone. Limestone and sandstone are common sedimentary rocks. Limestone is easy to curve.

Metamorphic

After undergoing heat and pressure, a sedimentary layer undergoes a chemical reaction that adds a crystalline substance. Soapstone and marble Alabaster are perfect examples of metamorphic rocks. Marble is among the most preferred materials for stone carving as it easily holds a lot of details.

Stones are a nature's gift to its people to enjoy and use. Besides adding pebbles in your home walkways, you may also add carved rock structures at the gate or on your water fountain.