The Lesson

“Stone carving is all about developing a feel for the tools and material.”
–KVH

Once the student has completed the paperwork they are seated at a workbench, given a practice stone (Bluestone ), hammer, and chisel (usually a ½” flat).  We point out the carbide tip on the chisel and explain the reason for it (while Bluestone can be carved with a plain steel chisel, like one might buy at the local hardware store-it will not hold its edge, stay sharp very long.  The local Bluestone is in fact a 360-million-year-old blue/grey Sandstone.  And the sand is very abrasive.  So the carbide tipped chisels allow the sculptor to spend more time carving and less time sharpening.)  Visit our friends at https://trowandholden.com/ for more information regarding tools. 

The ”instruction” consists of three simple exercises, all three done twice once with hand tools ( hammer & chisel ), and the second with air powered
( pneumatic )tools.  We draw a curved line on the stone-the letter C for example. 

1. Smoothing (the first step in polishing). Holding the chisel at approximately 45 degrees in relation to the stone and using a light touch with the hammer (see photo 1.), start working the surface-taking off the high spots. Most find that by using their hand braced against the stone, it will act as a tripod and help them to steady the chisel.  Experiment with the angle of the chisel in relation to the stone. A steeper angle takes a more aggressive bite-removes more material, requires a harder hit, and produces a rougher texture. A shallower angle-less bite, lighter touch, smoother finish or texture. This angle of the “blade” is the point here and the important aspect for our third step. Work in one direction for a bit, then change directions. Left to right, then up and down. This change of direction helps prevent developing a washboard effect on the surface and makes it easier to produce a smooth surface.

2. Scoring. Holding the chisel vertical (straight up and down-see photo 2.) we score the line of that letter to a depth of 1/16” to 1/8”-two or three passes of the entire letter. This gives us a guide for step 3.      

3. Place the corner of the chisel in that guide with the body of the chisel parallel to the line of the letter at that point. Lean the other corner of the chisel over so that it is 45 degrees in relation to the line (see photo 3.). This angle of the blade (see # 1), is now at 45 degrees in relation to the stone. This is two 45’s-one for the flat of the chisel, and one for the body of the chisel. Remember we are carving a V-Groove letter-put your eye at surface level and look down the length of the letter-the profile of the letter looks like a V. And to make it even more fun, as we carve around the curved letter-with both 45’s maintained-our entire arm-hand-chisel will move in a curve that matches the letter. Again, these three exercises are done twice once with hand tools, then again with air tools. Now I realize this all sounds way technical and complicated. It IS-I assure you-much easier with the tools in hand and us there to help. Most students get all of this within thirty minutes. For those with experience with hand tools it is a ten-minute process. We have had four-year old’s carving with this technique in thirty minutes.

Once the student has got it-the “it” being a feel for the tools and material-they are ready to carve something. Based on their ability with the tools, and the amount of time they have available we help the student select a spot (either another small stone that they may take with them, or a spot on one of the large blocks that remain on permanent public display at Bluestones Park). We can also assist with design, layout, and the transfer of the design to the stone, and they begin. We circulate constantly with tips and advice regarding technique, hammer, and chisel selection throughout the student’s project-weather it is their initials (one hour), or a more ambitious, multiyear project.      

Bluestone is an ancient material. Our work in Bluestone has the potential to last thousands of years outdoors. Bluestone also has the characteristic of “giving back” what you put into it. Meaning that if one is willing to spend the time, the stone will reward you…

THANK YOU! 

Kevin VanHentenryck

And the entire HSCS team!