Post #295639 by Tipua on Fri, Mar 30, 2007 3:43 AM

Greetings TCers!

I've taken the advice of a master-carver* and changed the title of this thread. It used to be called "Tipua's advice for the lazy carver", but I think on reflection, considering some of the subsequent feedback, that title was a little misleading as my intention was to bring to the attention of any would-be carvers out there the merits of starting out on soapstone, not the fact of my laziness.

Instead the focus shall be on the stone itself, and not the carver. My aim is to show anyone who wants to carve hard stone eventually (as I do some day) soapstone would be a good beginners' option. It's quite easy to carve (no expensive tools), it looks quite beautiful when finely sanded, oiled, and polished, and it's CHEAP - perfect for newbies starting out carving (like myself).

Also upon doing a wee bit of research, it appears that carving in soapstone is not just for beginners, but has been used (and still is used) as a carving medium by some very accomplished artists in the present as well as throughout history and in many different cultures.

:up: Ancient Egyptian soapstone scarab

Native American soapstone pipe :down:

Now, I have to mention that I am no way an expert (on anything), so any technical questions may go unanswered, but I'll try my best.

So, what is soapstone some of you may ask?

"Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a metamorphic rock, a talc-schist. It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism, which occurs at the areas where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years."

• Wikipedia

Here are a few pieces I've carved quite recently... Well, VERY recently. I only started carving last month!

*many thanks Tama! :D

[ Edited by: Tipua 2007-04-25 02:47 ]