A few of Mark's handmade tools.
Other stone carving tools.
Barbara Stevens hardening one of her handmade tools under supervision of Mark Sampsel (center) and Mike Bristol, another workshop attendee.
Mark demonstrates various techniques for removing stone.
Each person at the workshop had a log for his work station set up only a few yards from the Solomon River. It was a beautiful setting on this great October weekend. On top of the log was a sand bag with a piece of carpet on top. The carpet kept the sharp tools from poking a hole in the sand bag. The sand bag helped the rock be more stable. Leather gloves were worn to protect our hands.
Barbara Stevens getting started using a bush hammer to help loosen the hardened weathered surface of the stone.
Barbara's clay model bunny positioned to show the same side as the view of the beginning carving. The bunny begins to be freed from the stone!
Laura McClure, Cathy Bristol, and Carol Urban work on moving a large piece of heavy marble from one end of the drive to the other, then moving it onto a block using only blocks of wood and steel rollers.
All the work stations set up by the river....a very inspirational setting.
Cathy Bristol, Laura McClure, Carol Urban, Mark Sampsel (standing) and Mike Bristol with their stones at the end of the weekend. None of the sculptures were completed in the three day workshop, but all of the stones had been roughed out to the basic shape of each artists' design.
Joe Hubbard, owner of the beautiful River Bend Bed and Breakfast where the workshop was held, not only provided this incredible setting for the the workshop, he welcomed everyone like family returning home. What a wonderful experience all around!
