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How good it feels to finally get started on the carving process of my 1314 Winter Collection – to get the bit back in my teeth as it were. I always forget just how much I actually enjoy carving stone, particularly marble. I love the process of marking up and removing the material with maximum efficiency. Nothing brings me more joy and satisfaction than seeing my creation slowly emerging from the block of stone. The following photos were taken on Friday as I hollowed Curvy Linear Bowl, Number 1 (it has as yet no name, but then again how could it since it’s not yet completely out of the ‘womb’).

I couldn’t help thinking just how the process I use to remove the marble pretty much mirrors the same technique the large quarries use to produce such massive commercial blocks as are their stock in trade. Just as I do, they run a saw in straight lines across the bed, crosshatch, then pop the babies out!

Peel off one layer…

…then repeat.

Consequently I had all weekend to chomp at the bit, all the time thinking about my new sculpture awaiting my return. Monday morning then could not have come a moment too soon.

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~ ~ ~  this very morning ~ ~ ~

The first hour or two I spent polishing the interior of the bowl, beginning with a fire and brimstone 40 grit abrasive pad and steadily making my way up to 600. 40, 60, 80, 120, 240, 300 & 600, if memory serves.

Once I declared myself happy with the finish I turned my attentions to cutting the matching exterior curves.

(the nervy bit….!)

All went well with the initial cut.

…after which I went on to make a second cut along the entire length, but by the time I had finished I was in no mood to take photographs – not because I was grumpy but just damned relieved all had gone so well. All I wanted was a nice hot shower, a giant mug of tea, and a nice hot fire to sit beside while I drank it.

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So, tomorrow then – it should all be finished. I’ll apply a few coats of penetrative sealer over Wednesday and Thursday. Perhaps reward myself with light duties on Wednesday, then start in on the companion piece, Curvy Linear Bowl, Number 2 on Thursday with an eye on completing that one by Monday of next week.

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