Carving Gargoyles

Walter S. Arnold

Sculptor / Stone Carver
 Chicago, USA

Work in progress- University of Chicago Millenium Gargoyle
Work in Progress
Follow my progress as I carve these two sculptures

 

Click any image to see a larger photo

University of Chicago Gargoyle:
This sculpture is a gift to the University from the Class of 1999. On a campus renowned for its wonderful gargoyles, this will be their first new one installed in decades.
Birdbath:
This is a 24" wide version of my birdbath/centerpiece.  This carving was commissioned through this web site. The original 12" version and cast reproductions are available through my gargoyle store.
Rough block The original block and the model
Here are the rough blocks before I stated carving. Note the 12" model of the birdbath, and working drawings for the U. of C. gargoyle appear in the background of some of these photos.
Cutting the block to shape Cutting the base
Starting to rough out the blocks. Note that I started the U of C piece laying on its back. I started the Birdbath upside down, to cut the shape of the base.
Shaping the block Shaping the Birdbath
Here the forms start to take shape.
The form emerges Taking Shape...
Spreading its wings... The wings are getting formed
Watch for more photos as work progresses on these two sculptures.
Making a face... Carving the feathers
Strictly speaking, these are grotesques, not gargoyles. As I explain on my other Gargoyle pages, in modern times the word Gargoyle has become the accepted generic term for all manner of grotesques, griffins and chimeras and other fantastic creatures... visit my other pages to learn more about these sculptures.
In the niche Modelling the form and details
The completed University of Chicago Millennium Gargoyle. The birdbath nears completion.
Winged Gargoyle note the tools and carvings in the background.
Baby gargoyle
The baby gargoyle scampers up to get a drink

 

Other pages showing work in progress and the creative process:

Site Map
GALLERY RESOURCES
Gargoyles
Gargoyles, grotesques, green men & their history
Fireplaces
Different styles & designs in marble & limestone
Creating Gargoyles
The sequence of carving gargoyles
Carving tools and techniques
How a block of stone becomes a sculpture
Latest Work!
What's new
A Stone Menagerie
Carved animals
Who am I?
Biography of the artist
Marble
Images, 200 varieties
Custom Signage Public Sculpture Stonecutters
History- the Union in America
Religious Sculpture Garden Sculpture Teachers Q&A Students questions about gargoyles and carving
Small Sculpture Large Sculpture Scalable Bitmap Fonts
Architectural Ornament VRML 3d Sculpture Links to other sites The Gargoyle Newsletter
The Gargoyle Store Gargoyle Postcards
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© 1994-2008 Walter S. Arnold, Sculptor/Stone Carver
Chicago, USA (847) 568-1188
(312) 226-1141
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