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Stone sculpture and carving arts
The art, craft, and business of working in stone.
Profiles of sculptors, technical guides on materials and tools, exhibition reviews, and coverage of public art commissions worldwide.
What we cover
- Marble, granite, jade, and limestone carving
- Hand tools, pneumatic chisels, and CNC stone cutting
- Public art commissions and monuments
- Exhibition and gallery reviews
What you can expect
- Sculptor profiles and studio visits
- Technical breakdowns of carving methods
- Material sourcing and stone selection guides
- Coverage of sculpture festivals and biennales
Latest posts
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How Weather and Climate Affect Outdoor Stone Sculptures
A practical look at how rain, heat, frost, salt air, and UV exposure impact different types of stone, and how sculptors can plan for Australia's varied conditions.
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Quarry to Studio: How Stone Is Sourced and Transported
The often-overlooked journey of carving stone from quarry face to sculptor's workshop, including sourcing tips for Australian carvers.
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Five Emerging Stone Sculptors to Watch in Australia
A look at five Australian sculptors working in stone who are producing distinctive, compelling work and building serious careers.
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Japanese Stone Garden Traditions and Their Influence in Australia
How the principles of Japanese stone gardens have shaped landscape design in Australia, and what stone carvers can learn from the karesansui tradition.
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The Rise of 3D Scanning in Stone Restoration Projects
How 3D scanning technology is changing the way heritage stone carvings are documented, analysed, and restored across Australia and beyond.
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Stone Sculpture in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design
How carved stone integrates with landscape design, from private gardens to public spaces, and what sculptors should consider when working outdoors.
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Stone Lettering and Memorial Carving as a Trade
An overview of stone lettering and memorial carving in Australia — the skills involved, how the trade works, and why it remains relevant in a digital age.
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Working with Limestone: Properties, Techniques, and Common Mistakes
Practical guidance on carving limestone, from selecting the right block to avoiding the errors that waste time and material.
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Sculpture Biennales and Festivals Worth Visiting in 2025-26
A guide to the most worthwhile sculpture exhibitions and festivals across Australia and internationally over the coming season.
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The Economics of Stone Sculpture: What Does It Actually Cost?
Breaking down the real costs of creating stone sculpture in Australia, from raw materials and tools to studio overheads and pricing finished work.
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Jade Carving Techniques and the Art of Nephrite Work
A practical look at working with nephrite jade, from reading the stone to finishing techniques that bring out its depth and lustre.
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CNC Stone Cutting vs Hand Carving: When to Use Each
A practical comparison of CNC (computer numerical control) stone cutting and traditional hand carving, exploring when each method makes sense for sculpture and architectural work.
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Safety in the Stone Workshop: Dust, Noise, and Vibration
Stone carving poses real health risks from silica dust, noise exposure, and hand-arm vibration. Here is how to protect yourself without slowing your work down.
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Stone Conservation and Restoration of Heritage Buildings
How stone conservation specialists preserve and restore heritage buildings in Australia, from assessing deterioration to matching replacement stone and choosing repair techniques.
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How Public Art Commissions Work in Australian Cities
A practical guide to how public art commissions are awarded in Australia, from per cent for art policies to the application process and what artists should expect.