CARVING WITH OAMARU STONE
CARVING WITH OAMARU STONE
The stone we use is Oamaru stone — also commonly known as Limestone. We use this particular stone because it can be readily shaped, Oamaru stone is a favourite material for stone carvers and sculptors in New Zealand.
The stone we use is Oamaru stone — also commonly known as Limestone. We use this particular stone because it can be readily shaped, Oamaru stone is a favourite material for stone carvers and sculptors in New Zealand.
The making of a sculpture
GRAHAM'S FAMILY SCULPTURE
Here you can view the process of making this beautiful sculpture and read the story and inspiration behind the design.
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Graham wanted a design that reflected family, was different, and something substantial (it is 1.2 metres tall and weighs over 350kgs).
I love flowing lines, smooth surfaces and sharp edges for shadow, and brought all 3 elements together in this design. We placed it on a base to give it a little more height (took some thinking to lift a 350kg sculpture with fragile sharp edges).
The design depicts mum at the front, dad in the middle and the four children at the back. I wanted many layers but coming together as a family unit. I've heard a number of different interpretations like a flame, a shell, or a flower bud...but to me, particularly while I worked on it, it was always the embrace of a family.
Brett Keno
New Zealand Stone Carving Artist and Sculptor
December 2014