Getting started: Selecting materials

The first step in designing a sculpture is determining the subject matter and the materials to use. If I decide to use alabaster stone in the design, I look at individual stones in our pile at school from different angles then try to imagine an image. In this case, I like the colors in the stone and the general shape. The bottom is pretty flat and will not need much modification. The stone does not have major indentations that will need work. Once the stone is selected, I purchase it from the Sculpture Club at school.

Years ago some kind person donated a ton or so of alabaster stones to the Sculpture Club. The stones come in various sizes, shapes and colors and is available at school for students to comb through, select and purchase at a very low cost. Alabaster is a very soft stone. Power tools [sanders/grinders] and regular sand paper can be used to shape the stone. Water is used sparingly because alabaster tends to crack easily.