| The Stone Sculptor Jason P. Nelson |
Artist Statement
| "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." -Pablo Picasso |
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Since the first time that I opened an art history text book, I have been intrigued by the ancient art of stone sculpting.
Man has had a close connection with stone, since prehistoric times; when I work with stone, I am reminded of that
rich history.
I aspire to create high quality work that will endure through the ages. Setting free the inherent beauty of natural stone
is a time-consuming, but, rewarding endeavor. I try to fully utilise the dimensions of each boulder. When my work is
going well, I’m filled with a sense of achievement.
I work with a wide variety of stone, because I like to have many colours to choose from. Generally, I like to use the
softer types, such as marble, alabaster or soapstone. However, I also like jade, agate and fossil ivory, for their
strength and durability. I like to use garnet, because it is my birthstone.
My favourite tools are hand-held chisels, rasps and files; they allow for a high degree of precision. Although
improvements have been made to these traditional tools, over the centuries, the ways that they are used remain the
same as in antiquity. Of course, modern pneumatic and electrical power tools are also very useful.
I create both representational and, "abstract", or "organic", sculpture. In particular, I enjoy carving animals that live in
the ocean. I feel that marine life makes a great subject matter for a stone carver, because it comes in a wide variety
of shapes, sizes and colours. In the future, I aspire to increase the scale of my work to large public art pieces and
monumental sculpture.
As an artist, I think that it is important to occasionally give something back to the community. In 2007, I donated a
soapstone sculpture to a United Way charity auction. In the spring of 2009, I introduced stone carving to the
children in the United Way Spring Program. I returned for a second visit in October, to show them my gemstone and
fossil collection, as they were studying rocks and minerals.
Jason P. Nelson
| If an octopus loses a tentacle, in an encounter with a predator, it is often able to regenerate the lost limb. |
| Fine Art Sculpture in Marble, Alabaster and Soapstone 571 Court St. North Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada (807) 343-0591 jason@thestonesculptor.com |