Squaring a Block of Stone by hand

Sculptor AC Button II of http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/ demonstrates squaring a rough block of stone by hand, a traditional exercise used to train aspiring stone craftsmen, artists and sculptors. This is the first stone project presented in the Virtual Stone Carving Apprenticeship for aspiring stone carvers and sculptors. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... The goal of the VSCA video series is to preserve heritage while preparing individuals for greater achievement in related three-dimensional work across media. In this video, Button begins with a 300 lb block of Kershaw Granite. The block has four split sides, one natural face and one flat polished side that was damaged beyond repair. The existing damaged flat side was placed at the bottom. For this lesson, it was skewed from level in two planes with wedges so that it could not be used for reference. He then uses a pair of plumb blocks with a carpenter level to track progress as he levels the initial side. Once the first side is nearly completed with only a small amount of crown remaining, he progressively turns the stone to produce comparable faces or panels on each of the remaining five sides. To complete the exercise, he methodically removes the remaining crown on each face while simultaneously resolving the edges and corners shared with adjoining faces. Nearly all work is done with a pneumatic hand machine and a small assortment of chisels. The full process is covered in its entirety on the VSCA playlist, Video 9 through Video 26. The process is analogous for softer stone and for using hand-driven tools. Accurate production of a single face or panel is applicable to many carving and sculpture projects. This exercise is indispensable for persons in pursuit of a basic skill set for working in stone. In-Studio instruction under Button is an excellent option for those who chose to pursue and afford it. If studied and practiced, the lessons offered via the Virtual Stone Carving Apprenticeship series will help streamline such In-Studio instruction to make it as time-efficient and cost-effective as possible for both Sculptor and Student/Apprentice. Both individual and group sessions are available and will be tailored to meet specific needs. For more information about Sculptor AC Button II, his work and training opportunities including pricing, visit http://carolinasculpturestudio.com for contact information.