Hunter: A Stunning Marble Sculpture by Martin Cooney

COLLECTION SERIES MARBLE SCULPTURE

Carved by MARTIN COONEY

Hunter / $5,700 / The Liberty Collection / Colorado Yule Marble

21.5 x 11 x 14″ / 72.2 lbs / SN250703

Currently Displayed at The Martin Cooney STONEWORKS

121 Liberty Street, Council Grove, Kansas 66846

Please email martincooneysculptor@gmail.com for purchase information

A marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, featuring smooth, curved forms against a blue sky with clouds. The sculpture appears dynamic and playful, emphasizing its artistic design.

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‘Hunter’, the 9^th Liberty Collection Sculpture, entered the world in mid-July 2025 and immediately took his place among the ranks of ‘Beasts’, along such iconic Collection Series carvings as ‘Troy’, ‘Birth of a Guin’, Guin and Son, and the formidable ‘Terrible Lizard’. And just as with most of those singularly convoluted forms, ‘Hunter’ proved to be quite the challenge to carve.

Please click on a photo to enlarge.

A marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' in progress, displayed in a workshop setting. The sculpture has a smooth, abstract shape and is surrounded by sculpting tools, including a blue bucket and stone blocks.

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So many times, while writing my sculpture Web Pages, such as this, I find myself repeating versions of “the carving process went well …” But this was to be no clear-cut homage to the marble’s impeccable behavior during the carving process. “The Spirit of the Stone” (“Mabel”) was alive and well and intent on causing mischief. I’ll leave it at that.

Mabel, Spirit of the Stone

'Troy', Collection Series Marble Sculpture by Martin Cooney.

Birth of a Guin, Collection Series Marble Sculpture by Martin Cooney.

‘Troy‘, ‘Terrible Lizard‘, ‘Birth of a Guin‘. COLLECTION SERIES Marble beasts.

Amongst The Collection Series’ portfolio there reside several distinct groups of carvings that serve to define the artistic statement that my signature ‘Light, Portable and Carved for Full Immersion in the Real World’ Reductionist Sculpture‘ projects to the world. That is: they can be moved around, displayed and stored with ease. Some carvings, like the bowls for instance, may be picked up, held to the body and walked from place to place … as you would carry a small child, or baby.

Obviously, some carvings are easier to move than others, but compared to conventional non-Reductionist Sculpture, all can be moved without the aid of lifting gear – which is blessed relief when it comes to marble, as that is not the case with traditional marble sculpture that generally weighs in the region of hundreds of pounds, if not more! Thankfully, even my more ‘awkward’ carvings – the Standing Stones, The Beasts, The Mountains and the like, merely require the sort of competent handling that can be found possessed by men who are used to working with their hands, and there are plenty of them about.

A marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, featuring smooth, flowing lines and a simplified form, displayed against a dark background.

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A marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, featuring smooth, abstract forms and illuminated from the side, highlighting its textures and curves.

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A modern marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, showcasing smooth, abstract forms with a light reflection highlighting its curves.

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‘The Beasts’, while generally heavier than most Collection Series Sculpture, are nonetheless meant to move around … a lot. In fact, that is the whole point of them. They are not meant to simply stay put in one place, but to roam around and take you by surprise when you stumble across them – their beaky faces focussed back at you from vantage points that you had quite forgotten you had put them. In short: they are born to wander and entertain.

Indoors, outdoors, it doesn’t matter – though I honestly perceive they prefer the latter. And such is their robust nature, practically nothing can do harm upon them. Tough little mites, they are. Their design is devoid of weak points, delicate edges, or delicate anything! Just give them a wash with soapy water and a quick rinse now and again. Delicate, they are not.

A close-up view of the sculpture 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, showcasing its smooth, abstract form and the marble's texture against a natural outdoor backdrop.

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A modern marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, showcasing a stylized animal form, displayed outdoors against a grassy background.

A marble sculpture titled 'Hunter' by Martin Cooney, showcasing smooth, flowing curves against a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

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And now ‘Hunter’ joins THE COLLECTION SERIES array of Beasts and brings a touch of whimsy along with a quite formidable stance – as if he has just caught sight, or perhaps a whiff of, yes, his next meal. A sharp crack of a branch underfoot, a darting profile in the corner of his eye perhaps? A quick turn of the head, a moment’s pause before he pounces. You decide. Just be sure to give him room to maneuver.

So, go on and send ‘Hunter’ on mission after mission, indoors and out. Don’t just leave him to get bored in one place – he won’t thank you for it, of that, I am sure. He’ll certainly raise a few eyebrows from unsuspecting friends, family and guests.

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Please click on a photo to enlarge.