Part of the reason I came to Italy was to learn more about sculpture. I have never really mastered the idea of the 3D and have always considered myself more of a painter in the art world. However, I have always wanted to learn more about sculpting because I think it will bring new way of thinking about painting in the future.  Alabaster in Volterra Tuscany is one of the main thing Volterra is known for. It is what brings the tourist in to very small town of 1100. Alabaster has transparent / crystal like qualities to it that make ideal for sculptures. Also Alabaster is a soft stone compared to marble but again shares similar quality’s as marble. The most common type of Alabaster is the white transparent type and is also the easiest to work with, as it is the softest. Alabaster comes in all sorts of colours black marbled with grey, white, and brown, just to name a few. Alabaster is also a pouris stone and can absorb dyes to take on new colours.  This Is great for tourist shows as they can make fun new funky designs to sell. Also it can bring a new life to very intricate sculptures.

Working with Alabaster on my own has taught me a lot it is not a easy nor quick process and it can never be rushed. Three hours of working on this sculpture and your hands are left feeling raw and unless. I have no idea how you can look at a random rock shape and see the sculpture you need it to be. It blows my mind when I look back at photos and see the rock it use to look like and what I have transformed it into. Without my teacher though I am sure it would have turned out a lot different.

Visiting some of the workshops where artist practice and create grand sculptures for various commissions and stores. Is like nothing you would ever expect to see. These sculptures are carefully and planned and neat! The workshops are nothing like that. They’re filthy and covered in alabaster dust that could be hauled out by the bags.  Tools are everywhere with no spot just for them. You have to ask your self, how can something so beautiful and carefully sculpted come from such a mess! Sculptures that are probably worth thousands sit and collect dust on shelves. It’s an amazing place to see behind the sense.