Feb 2006 Newsletter - Montoya Sculpture & Supply

Issue 20
Feb 2006 - Newsletter

ROCK TALK
MONTOYA SCULPTURE & SUPPLY since 1973

Interesting stone sculpture related news, technical tips, special offers and other sculpture stuff.
By Jeff Halverson
Sculptor and Owner of Montoya Sculpture & Supply
www.MontoyaSculpture.com

Issue 20, February 4, 2006
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IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Editor's Note
2. Dale Enochs Workshop Instructor- Interview
3. Workshops at Montoya
4. New Items
5. Current Sale
6. Upcoming Events
7. Please send Sculpture Quotes (maybe win $25 gift certificate)
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Privacy Statement- This is a 100% opt-in list. You've received this free eNewsletter because you have kindly granted us your email. We never have nor will we sell or publish your email address. If you wish to be removed from our list, please click on the link at the bottom.
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SCULPTURE QUOTE

"Stone carving is easy! It's the stone that's hard!"
--Ongis Mutan

This is the quote that was selected for the XXXIII Stone Carving Workshop T- shirts. I called Ongis and we had an interesting talk about his experiences in stone carving and life in general. He has been sent two of the T-shirts along with a $25 gift certificate and a free gift (he selected a bush hammer). You can visit his website at http://mutan.com/.

And thank you to the other 23 readers who took the time and sent in their ideas and sayings. Most were very good and I do appreciate the recommendations.

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1. EDITOR'S NOTE

I hope everyone is off to a great new year and that you are well on your way to completing your first stone sculpture of the year.

On Saturday the 21st we finished our first stone carving workshop. Sharon Gainsburg conducted the workshop and I think everyone had a great time. There was plenty of chiseling and dust going on. Workshops are very motivating and inspiring. I know it got two of the participants re-motivated to carve.

We are looking forward to the next workshop with Dale Enochs that starts on Monday, Feb 13. I had wanted to go up to Indiana and take a limestone carving workshop this last summer but when my hopes of that faded I thought about getting one of the Bloomington Limestone Symposium Instructors down here. So that's why we are getting Dale down here. Four and a half tons of Indiana Limestone arrived on the 23rd. Each workshop participant gets 150 lb of the limestone in the class fee. Here is an interesting site from a fellow sculptor who attended Limestone course in Indiana. http://www.atlantasculpture.com/limestone2001page.html

Below is an eInterview with Dale.
Please forward this issue to a friend that might be interested.
Thanks for reading. Remember to dream and create.

Jeff
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2. Dale Enochs Workshop Instructor- Interview by Jeff Halverson (JH) with Dale Enochs (DE). Dale has conducted and instructed at many stone carving events most notable of which is the Limestone Symposium conducted in Bloomington Indiana where he has taught for the last eight years (http://www.artlives.org/limestone05.html). He will be conducting our first Indiana Limestone sculpture workshop from February 13th to 17th in 2006.

Interview by Jeff Halverson (JH) with Dale Enochs (DE)

JH- Dale please tell me little about what drew you to sculpture as a profession.
DE- I have been drawing and making things since I was very young. I like working with my hands and so I gravitated toward sculpture. It has simply been a natural progression.

JH- I looked over your lengthy resume. Please tell me about some of the highlights of your education and teaching experience.
DE- I credit specific instructors that I have had as the biggest influence on the direction that I have taken. I feel fortunate and am grateful for their guidance. Travel has also played a role in my development. Travel has given me an awareness and education in itself. As a teacher, I always feel that I learn as much from my students as they do from me. Inevitably I become energized by teaching and that energy goes back to the studio with me.

JH- Last year I was really trying to get up to Indiana to take the limestone carving course there in Bloomington. From your resume I saw that you have taught for the last nine years at the Annual Limestone Sculpture Symposium and I thought if I can not get to you why not try to get you to come here. This year will be your first time teaching at Montoya. And this is the first time we have sponsored a limestone carving workshop. What do you try to accomplish as a sculpture teacher.
DE - I try to impart how I feel about sculpture and art in general. In a nutshell, I think that it's important. When at Montoya I'll elaborate on this theme. For a group or class I give the sum of my experience freely, hopefully in a somewhat articulate and organized manner. At the same time I also attempt to tune into each student as an individual, I try to understand what the student wants to do and help them find a way to achieve their goals while pointing to new ideas and directions.

JH- Tell me about a teacher, artist or event that most influences you're teaching style.
DE - Some time after I had finished my formal schooling I joined a small group to study Japanese rock gardening with an elderly man knowledgeable on the subject. This brief foray turned into a ten - twelve year adventure in art and philosophy. My association with this person deeply impacted my work and my life, all of which effects how I teach.

JH- If you could go back in time to talk to a sculptor of the past whom would you want to go spend a day with? Why?
DE - This is a tough one, how do you narrow it down to one person? I've admired Noguchi for many years. I saw him speak once and have been to his studios in both New York and Japan. Brancusi is another favorite of mine. I wish that I could meet the unknown sculptors of Copan or ancient Egypt or most any indigenous civilization. The person that I would really like to talk with though would be Carl Jung. Why? He was an incredibly intelligent and insightful individual whose writing has impacted what I do.

JH- As a professional sculptor what do you feel are the elements that make your sculpture successful?
DE - My initial response to this question started to sound a bit vainglorious. The reality is that I work a lot and I've been lucky.

JH- If you had to pick just one, what would be your favorite subject for sculpture and why?
DE- The human figure. The figure is a form with which most every human is familiar, (tongue slightly in cheek). The potentials for expression with the figure are inexhaustible.

JH- Dale from your website I can see you have done small sculptures as well as large outdoor sculptures, what sculpture large or small, remains to be done by you?
DE -I am particularly interested in public work. I am fascinated by the challenges of attempting to create work that speaks to people from all walks of life. I have done a variety of public pieces but there's so much more to do.

JH- On your website (www.daleenochs.com) under Garden Sculpture, I really liked your �100 Carved Bricks� work installed at White River Gardens, Indianapolis, Indiana. I see that you incorporated copper and other metals. Tell me about what inspires you to consider adding metals to your sculpture.
DE- I use the contrast of light and shadow through varying textures in the development of my compositions. The use of metal is an additional means of creating contrast within the overall composition. I have experimented with applying metal images and forming metal brackets and attachments. Stone, set outside gathers what I call a patina of time, moss, lichen and airborne dirt colors the surface. Metals, such as steel, bronze and copper develop their own patinas that slowly bleed color onto the stone. I am fascinated by this slow natural evolution of the sculptures.

JH- I have only carved one piece of Indiana Limestone. Please tell me a little about the carving characteristics of Indiana Limestone. And what advice would you want to give to a beginner interested in carving limestone.
DE - I refer to Indiana Limestone as a "humble" stone that is strong in character. The grain can be difficult to determine, it has a tight uniform grain that is homogeneous. You can split it with or against the grain, you can carve it in any direction, it is relatively soft but will hold refined details. Though soft it is also strong and durable. It is perfect for creating a form that reflects light and casts shadows (sculpture, by definition). Along with these attributes the dust is benign and not harmful to ingest. As far as advice to the beginning carver goes, dig in, don't be intimidated, it's a friendly stone.

JH- Dale, we talked about you doing some special demonstrations as part of the class. Tell me about some of the demonstrations you plan to do.
DE - I plan to do a demonstration on splitting stone with feathers and wedges.* I will demonstrate pitching stone with pitching tools and cutting stone with a diamond saw. I'll use both hand carving tools and pneumatic tools and discuss their uses. I also plan to demonstrate the use of epoxy in joining stone and other materials to stone. Over the years I have developed a variety of textures that I use and will demonstrate how I make and use those textures within compositions. These processes are some of the techniques used in "crafting" stone. I also intend to touch upon some of the formal elements of art such as line, movement, tension and positive and negative space. These topics could be said to be "intellectual" elements of sculpture. I further intend to address my thoughts about the "spirit" of sculpture and art in general. Spirit here should not be confused with religion. This topic can be elusive and ephemeral but I believe it is an integral element of what you make. Ultimately there needs to be balance. It's a razor edge sort of dance.

JH- Thank you Dale. I am looking forward to having you here on February 13-17.

* The stone splitting demonstration with feathers and wedges will be done on a large stone. The demonstration will occur at 3 pm on Feb 14. this demonstration is open to local interested sculptors.
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3. Workshops- our lineup for the next four months. In case you have not taken a sculpture workshop, and may be considering one, I hope you do take the opportunity. They really are a great chance to get away and focus your mind and hand on the craft. They are uplifting, rewarding, eye-opening and very fun. Some of my earliest stone carving experiences were at workshops and I try to improve on them each year because of the great memories I have from attending them. Expand your sculptural experience.

SCULPTING IN INDIANA LIMESTONE- Dale Enochs, Feb 13-17, Mon �Fri (9 of 12 spaces left) $495
With 25 years of sculpture experience, Dale Enochs maintains his studio in the heart of Indiana Limestone country. A regular teacher at limestone workshops and symposiums including the Annual Limestone Sculpture Symposiums since 1997, now Montoya Sculpture and Supply is proud to sponsor Dale Enochs for a first time Limestone carving workshop in Florida. Students will learn why this traditional material has been a desirable vehicle for sculpture throughout the ages. The use of formal elements such as line, movement, balance and positive and negative space will be discussed throughout the course. This energetic class will focus on the versatile spirit of limestone although the majority of the conceptual approaches and techniques presented will be applicable to most other stones as well. Dale will demonstrate splitting techniques with feathers and wedges, the removal of large pieces of stone by pitching, sawing and cutting methods and carving techniques with both hand and pneumatic tools. Students will learn joinery with epoxies and explore the use of contrasting textures within a composition. Instructor slide show and discussions will help the students develop an understanding of the sculptural flexibility and potential of Indiana Limestone. Workshop limited to 12 participants.

Usually you would have to go to Indiana for a workshop in Limestone carving. For the first time since 1973 Montoya brings a limestone carving workshop to the Southeast. This rare five day workshop will begin on Monday and end on Friday; however workshop participants are welcome to stay for free studio time on Saturday. On one of the weekday evenings (class to select) the workshop will stay open until 9pm. The workshop will include up to 150 lbs of Indiana Limestone. All of the limestone in the workshop has been hand picked by Dale for this workshop. Larger pieces available. A rare opportunity to learn from and work with one of the leading limestone sculptors of our time. Visit his website: www.daleenochs.com Here is an interesting website from a fellow sculptor who attended a limestone workshop in Indiana. http://www.atlantasculpture.com/limestone2001page.html.

�He's a great teacher and alot of fun. I have been going to a limestone symposium in Bloomington, IN for the past 3 years in which he is one of the faculty. His humor is intoxicating. He loves what he's doing-sculpting and being around other people who sculpt- be that an 18 year old who has recently been introduced to stone or another peer.
He is always an inspiration thru his own work, which is thought provoking and intelligent.
He encourages others with a positive validation of what they are doing that is successful. He asks intriguing and challenging questions about ones art in order to direct them to an understanding and a vocabulary of their own interpretation. He is a great teacher and a joy to be around.�
Kathleen S
Columbus, Ohio

STONE CARVING, FINISHING, JOINING & LAMINATING- Enzo Torcoletti, Mar 23-26
Thur- Sun (5 of 10 spaces left) $395
We welcome world renowned sculptor Enzo Torcoletti to Montoya Sculpture's workshop for his 13th season. A full time Flagler College sculpture professor for over 30 years, and summer Italy resident, he brings a current and power tool driven approach to stone sculpture. Using alabaster (softer than marble), Enzo works with beginner and experienced participants in the development of classical, figurative and abstract forms. His innovative approach to sculpture helps his students make the most of their sculptural vision. Interesting sessions on stone joining and laminating to add interest to your sculpture. A concentrated and idea filled workshop. Workshop is limited to 10 participants. You will enjoy the energy and creativity of Enzo's workshop.

Enzo Torcoletti was born in Italy and attended art school there before he moved to Canada where he received a B.A. in English Literature and a B.F.A. in Sculpture and Printmaking from the University of Windsor in 1969. In 1971, he completed his M.F.A. in Sculpture from Florida State University. That same year he moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where he still resides. He maintains sculpture studios in St. Augustine, Florida and in Italy. Visit his website: www.moultriecreek.com
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METHODS & SHORTCUTS OF BLOCKING TECHNIQUES, Vince Ricci, April 16-19 Wed-Sat (8 of 10 spaces left) $395
Vince Ricci is a successful sculptor who has been conducting Art Workshops in Italy for over 20 years. He joins Montoya Sculpture for the third year. Vince was an assistant to Malvina Hoffman, who was the only American to have studied with the world famous sculptor August Rodin. Mr. Ricci, a graduate of the Academia di Belli Arti of Rome, Italy, and a MFA from Tufts University, has spent a lifetime as an artist and a teacher, working as an instructor at some of the most prestigious fine art schools and universities in America. Among the list of schools he has taught at are, Boston University, Tufts University, New England School of Art and Design, and for 20 years at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Vincent Ricci has achieved international recognition for his artistic accomplishments and unique teaching technique. Vincent's work is in many collections worldwide.

Students learn how to visualize and block out both contemporary and abstract figures, allowing participants to spend more time exploring their imagery, and the surface dynamics, before they move onto finishing techniques. Explore the three successive step method. Work through basic and intermediate levels of stone carving with hand and power tools. Workshop includes stone selection, blocking, finishing techniques and discussion on mounting and display. Workshop is limited to 10 participants. Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with evening hours upon class request. Students are encouraged to bring with them to class, a Marquette (clay model), and photos or drawings of imagery that they wish to pursue. Visit his website: www.CFAeuroart.com

"Vincent was great - I had been stuck for months on several problems that he helped me to resolve. His understanding of anatomy - and ability to explain things was critical to doing figure work. The class was fantastic and I learned a lot"
D. Cary,
Stuart FL

"Vince Ricci has truly mastered the art of teaching as well as sculpting. I can't remember a time where I learned & used the information in a 4-day period. This workshop is a must"
H. Gottlieb,
Plantation FL

ALL WORKSHOPS INCLUDE
-10% discount on all purchases during workshop
-Instructors slide show of recent works
-Class notebook and handouts
-Shaded and night lighted facility
-Full snack bar, fruits, coffee, tea and sodas
-Tool demonstrations
-Certificate of Attendance
-Stone Carving Workshop XXXIII Tee Shirt
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4. NEW ITEMS�

Eclipse II Dry Cutting Diamond Blade - This is an industrial quality dry cutting diamond blade made by Alpha Tools. Do not mistake this with lower priced and lower quality blades. I use it to cut into marble and alabaster. It fits most angle grinders and wet stone-cutters. It also works well on tile, concrete and slate. If you use diamond blades you will find this to be a cost effective and long lasting blade that gives very consistent results without chipping. SKU #77004 for $68.95.

Libero Dry Cutting Electroplated Diamond Blade ��Chip-free Cutting� - This is the blade we will be using in the Limestone workshop with Dale Enochs. I had our tool rep call the main office for a specific recommendation for the best blade to cut limestone. He recommended the Libero, so I tired it. It cuts clean and crisp. I was very impressed. The Libero is designed to cut materials such as softer marbles, travertines, soapstones, alabaster, and limestone without chipping and cracking commonly associated with the dry cutting process (can also be used wet for less dust). The advanced electroplated bond outperforms any other blade when cutting softer grades of natural stone. When used on angle grinders and wet stone cutters, the Libero is aggressive and easy to use, which reduces finishing time and saves you raw material. Marble fabricators will find the Libero ideal for the intricacy of fabrication work. Sculptors will find the Libero is great to use for difficult cuts. Whether you use this blade in the shop or in the field, it brings you the quality and long life you expect from a premium blade and the convenience of accurate and precise cutting performance on softer types of natural stone. I have it in three (3) sizes in stock the 4-1/2� SKU #77006 for $64.11 - 5� SKU #77007 for $78.61 � and the 7� SKU #77008 for $104.79.

**In case you have not tried it you are missing out on a great tool for making progress in your stone carving if you have not tried diamond blades on a variable speed angle grinder (read Montoya Technical Bulletin #5 �The Variable Speed Angle Grinder- Sculpture Tool� you can read it or download it at http://www.montoyasculpture.com/technical_bulletin/index.php). Why a variable speed angle grinder? The variable speed angle grinder allows for the versatility of this tool as a polisher, grinder/sander and cutter. The variable speed angle grinder is more expensive than the standard single speed angle grinder available at your local mega supper hardware, but then again it's like having three tools in one, and that is actually a savings.

NOW ON DVD- �The Art of Stone Carving, demonstrations and hard facts.� It's our all time best seller and it's now on DVD. 85 minutes. On DVD $37.95 SKU 78110. VHS $37.95 SKU 78045

FLAT CHISELS, EXTRA WIDE. Great for flat surfaces or making surfaces flat, even as a pitching tool. Made in Italy- of course. Flat end width 1-5/8� on a 7/16 thick 8-sided shaft 8.5� long, $26.50. And the wider one with a flat end width of 2-3/8� on an 11/16 thick 8-sided shaft 9� long, $27.95. Only have four of each left.

MAZZUOLI TONDI (Round Hammer), 1 lb. SKU 1010, $23.50. Nice, easy to handle for close in work and details. Two left.

POINTING MACHINE with 2 joints and clamp. Beautiful brass and hard wood. Only one left. SKU 1010, $350.

TRAPANO VIOLINO complete di archetto e punte
(Violin drill with arch and points) � Just got a few of these and thought you would want to know about them. Check it out on the website www.MontoyaSculpture.com and search for SKU 89005 in the online catalog. You will see a picture of this old type tool. It's a hand drill for stone. The �violin string� winds around the barrel that spins the chisel bit. The brass rimmed wood barrel spins free of the handle above it. It comes with six chisel bits about 8 inches long. It's surprising how fast this will drill a hole in stone. Of course speed is totally in your control with the rate at which you run the bow back and forth. And talk about quiet, hardly a sound. This is the tool for the purest that only wants to use hand tools on their stone. Good for wood also. Since each chisel drill is 8 inches long you can really get the hole deep into the stone. The chisels range in width of 1/8� to just under ½� and includes a canvas pouch. This tool is made in Italy and is truly a crafted tool with smooth hard woods and brass fittings. You will not find this tool anywhere else in this country. $350 SKU 89005.

NEW BOOK
�SCULPTURE BASICS� by Karin Hessenburg
Hardcover 8.5� x 11�, 128 pages with index. Copyright 2005. Packed with color pictures and instructional diagrams, useful tips, ad important health and safety information.
The five chapters include: Clay Modeling, Molding and Casting, Direct Building, Carving, Finishing Techniques.
SKU 78115 at $23.99
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5. CURRENT SALE

Our sale continues went through Jan 31. If you did not get the flyer we probably do not have your mailing address, in which case you may want to email it to me so I can include you next time.

In the meantime here are a few sales flyer highlights only good till Jan 31 (EXTENDED TO FEB 2 FOR MY READERS):

Indiana Limestone reg $1.45 Till Jan 31 $.80/ lb. Indiana Limestone, also called Salem Limestone by geologists is at least 233 million years old. It's a freestone meaning that it exhibits no preferential direction for splitting and can therefore be cut and carved in almost any variety of shapes. The earliest know quarry for Indiana Limestone was opened in Stinesville in 1827.
Pink Lace Alabaster reg 1.95 till Jan 31 $1.75/lb

GIFT CERTIFICATES � Easy to buy, mail, and use. Ask your family to call us- pick what you can really use this season.

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6. UPCOMING EVENTS

MOSAIC TECHNIQUES MINI-WORKSHOP- Jeff Halverson, Feb 4 & 5 (Sat-Sun) 9-5, $155, Limited to 8 participants (four spaces left). Learn the basics and move into more advanced techniques. Includes layout, cutting, adhering, and grouting. Work with Italian mosaic glass tessare (tiles). Introduction to six of the opus styles. Complete one 16�x16�- ready to hang project. Fish bird, address, flower or choose your own. No experience needed, all material included. Also sample marble cutting hammer/hardie and chopper.

SCULPTING IN INDIANA LIMESTONE- Dale Enochs, Feb 13-17 Mon �Fri (5 spaces left)
Discount of $50 for early registration

STONE CARVING, FINISHING, JOINING & LAMINATING- Enzo Torcoletti, Mar 23-26
Thur- Sun (4 spaces left)

METHODS & SHORTCUTS OF BLOCKING TECHNIQUES (8 spaces left)
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7. PLEASE SEND SCULPTURE QUOTES (maybe win $25 gift certificate)
I have included a sculpture related quote at the top of this issue. I hope it is inspiring and interesting. If you have an interesting sculpture related quote please send it to me. Please include the name of the person who said it. All of the quotes that are received are being compiled into a list of quotes related to sculpture. The first batch of quotes from the first six issues has been posted to MontoyaSculpture.com. I would appreciate your help in building this list of quotes directly related to sculpture. Quotes can be from recognized sculptors of the past or from a teacher or friend. Send me your sculpture related quote, and if it is selected I will send you a Montoya Sculpture & Supply $25 gift certificate and put the quote in the next issue. Email me at Jeff@MontoyaSculpture.com Thanks
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(c)Copyright 2006 Jeff Halverson

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