Stone Connects

2011-03-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of The Salty Fishbowl (Stephanie Rhodes)

March Feature Article:

http://saltyfishbowl.com/featured/march-feature-gerda-lattey-sculptor

Running a Not-for-Profit Arts Organization

2009-08-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Given my new posting at the helm of the NWSSA of late, I've been thinking about just what it takes to successfully run an organization like this. The inclusivity of this organization is paramount. That is, you want to have a healthy team of new learners, old masters, younger generation, older mindset, hobbyists, professionals, and everything in between. On a personal level, I want to see people know what-it-is-we-do so they can make an educated choice about whether they want to be involved in the world of stone sculpture either through the means of "hands on" or by supporting this brand of art monetarily. How can we be successful at this? Here are some thoughts:

By running exciting symposia that nurture the spirit of stone carving by educating, inspiring, and opening doors both metaphorically and academically.
By having art shows that offer diversity in size, skill level, and content, support challenging ideas, communicate processes, are well thought out, and stunningly publicized.
By raising the profile of our professionals through international, regional, and national means.
By creating buying power within our organization.
By nurturing "out of the box" thinking that offers insight to those outside our community and creates a fun outlet for those wishing to communicate with alternate means.
By enabling volunteers to contribute time with relative ease in a streamlined fashion.
By never forgetting that it is our generosity that makes us rare.

I welcome dialogue..

It's Been a While..

2009-07-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not promoting anything sculptural at this particular moment, other than Camp Brotherhood Carving Symposium. Its a wonderful, inclusive retreat for "every level" carver. Great place to go and get recharged full of good ideas and renew your focus. "Assault on Basalt" was an amazing ride. I came home charged up and ready to focus (consistent "focus" is an issue for me) and an in-depth knowledge of this amazing region, geologically speaking. That and a deep respect for basalt and the in depth knowledge of how to carve the stuff. Here is a photo of my latest work "Theoretica" - Italian Marble with a carved granite base..

2009-04-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Hello to those interested in dropping by the "Assault on Basalt" workshop starting on May the 1st through to the 5th . Anyone is welcome to drop by and observe (bring eye/ear and respiratory protection if you can) and - note the schedule below for times of interest. Day cost is 50.00- including evening talks etc is 100.00

here is a google map link - I will have signage up. The location is on Trout Lodge Road just off Hwy 17 between Moses and Soap Lake.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=118091224569964262504.0004680ea69fb196c16fe&ll=68.39918,-161.015625&spn=169.315452,360&z=1

Assault on Basalt- Special Guests

2009-04-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Regarding the Basalt Workshop- Below are two guests that will be speaking on Friday May 1 and Saturday May 2 (see "schedule" for more information). We also have a Naturalist Amy McDougall of Dry Falls speaking on the Sunday, as well as Geologist and Archaeologist Mark Amara who will take us on a field trip of the surrounding area on the last day.

Steve Reidel PhD -Dr. Reidel has been studying the geology of the Pacific Northwest for the past 32 years. He has worked on the geology, hydrogeology and seismic hazards of the Pacific Northwest for the past 28 years and is a recognized expert on flood-basalt volcanism and tectonics of the Pacific Northwest. He recently retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and is now on the research faculty of Washington State University. In addition he teaches geology at the WSU-Tricities campus.

Sean Hess PhD – Dr. Hess has been a professional archaelogist since1989. He has taught anthropology at Washington State University, Mount Hood Community College, and Big Bend Community College and has directed projects in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, and Montana. Sean received his PhD in 1997 and has worked for consulting firms and government agencies throughout the West since that time, while additionally serving as the Tribal Archaeologist for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. He currently has taken a post at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, where he is the Grand Coulee Office Archaeologist.

May Workshop Schedule

2009-03-12T13:43:00.001-07:00

May Basalt Workshop Schedule-

This schedule is intended as an experiential package for dialogue, demonstration and discussion amongst intermediate/ master level attendees of the May workshop. Our intent is to include (as a full package immersive) components that absorb attendees in mind-bending locational geological history in juncture with diversely skilled leading instructors, regional experts, and teachers in the fields of geology, archaeology, anthropology and natural history. In order for us all to achieve a personalized optimum experience during this 5 day intensive, we need to know what your expectations are while you are attending. If you have anything to add, notice omissions, or have questions regarding this workshop: please contact Gerda and let her know.stonewaterstudio@gmail.com or call- 250-537-1526

· Rates: April 30 – May 5 - 475.00

· Day only rate- 9- 5 (no amenity use) 50.00

· Full Per day rate/ 100.00

Thursday April 30-

· The Set up- Arrive –Check in and set up in the afternoon/early evening. Dinner & Campfire

Friday May 1

· 10- 10:45 am- Introduction, Safety talk, Land, Region, Respect talk with Tony Kaufmann.

· 10:45- 11:15- Attendees choose and select stone

· 11:15 –12:30 Group Discussion and Demonstration- Process 1- The Transportation and Unloading of Basalt with Scott Hackney from Marenakos Rock Center out of Seattle. Anthony Kaufmann, Richard Hestekind, and Tom Small will also join in and expound upon– rigging, referencing, collecting, as well as choosing handling, and moving basalt.

· 1230-1:15 – Lunch

· 1:15- 3:00 Continuation of the Transportation and Unloading of Basalt with Scott Hackney, Tom Small, Anthony Kaufmann and Richard Hestekind.

· 3pm – 5:00 Free Carve

· 5pm- 6:30 Preparation and Dinner (subsequent cleanup)

· 6: 30 to 8:30 -Basalt Talk with Geologist Steve Reidel- “Columbia River basalt: the inner and outer beauty from a geology perspective.”

Saturday May 2

· 7- 9 am Breakfast prep and Coffee (subsequent cleanup)

· 9 am Safety talk

· Process 2- Roughing out

· 9:15- 10:45- Feathers and Wedges- Richard Hestekind

· 10:45- 12:15- Hand Tool Demonstration and Talk with Anthony Kaufmann and Richard Hestekind

· 12:15- 1:15- Lunch prep and cleanup

· 1:15- 3:15 - Diamond chainsaw demonstration and brainstorming ideas, process discussion with Tom Small.

· 3:15 to 5:15 Free Carve

· 5:15 to 6:30 Dinner prep and Cleanup

· 6:30 to 8:30pm- "Archaeology talk with Sean Hess - Traditional Interior Salish Views of Art and Stoneworking”

Sunday May 3

· 7-9 Breakfast Prep and Cleanup

· 9am Safety Talk

· Process 3 - Into the stone

· 9:15- 10:15- Core Drilling Demonstration and Discussion with Tom Small and Richard Hestekind.

· 10:15- 11:15 -Kerf/ Fret cutting Demonstration and Discussion with Tony Kaufmann.

· 11:15- 12:15- Detailing Basalt Demo and Dialogue with Tom, Anthony, and Richard.

· 12:15- 1:15- Lunch prep and cleanup

· 1:15 – 2:15- Continuation of Detailing Talk

· 2:15- 6:15 -Surface Development with Pneumatics- Demonstration and Discussion with Tony, Richard and Tom

· 6:15 – 7:45- Dinner supplied by Gerda- BYOP (plates!)

· Evening Chat- Industrial Relationship &, Design- discussion with Richard Hestekind

Monday May 4

· 7- 9am Breakfast prep and clean up

· 9 am Safety Talk

· Process 4- Refining of Basalt- The Final Surface with Anthony Kaufmann, Tom Small and Richard Hestekind.

· 9:15 12:15 - Pinning, stone stabilization, gluing and Repairs- Demo and dialogue.

· 12:15 – 1:15- Lunch prep and cleanup

· 1:15 – 4:30 - Sandblasting, bushing, chisel texturing, exotic chisels, flaming – and the Timelessness of Polishing- lead by Anthony Kaufmann

· 4:30 – 5:45 Naturalist talk w/ Amy McDougall

· 5:45- 6:30 Dinner and cleanup

· 6:30 on --Free Carve

Tuesday May 5

· Process 6 - Finally

· 7- 9 Breakfast and cleanup

· 9- 10 am Sealers and Maintenance- Group Discussion with Tony, Tom and Richard

· 10 to 11:30 Pack up and clean up –pack a bag lunch for Field trip with Geologist and Archaelogist Mark Amara

· Come back in the afternoon for load up and departure.

In addition-This seems like a full load and it is. There will be time for hands on working and exploration of Basalt at this workshop. Generators will be turned off during demonstrations and discussions but will be turned on at ever other available opportunity including evenings after dinner and afternoons when scheduled process component discussions have been completed.

Richard Hestekind's work at the Bardessono Hotel- CA

2009-03-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Jim Ballard kindly sent me these wonderful images that he took of Richard Hestekind's inspiring and extensive installation at the Bardessono Hotel and Spa complex in Yountville, CA. California and it is with great pride that I share them to you. Rich is one of our three instructors at the Assault on Basalt workshop in May of this year. This is just one of nine installations at the complex that Richard did..

Richard Hestekind- Sculptor

2008-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Richard Hestekind’s considerable experience in the sculpture community is confirmed by his commitment as a teacher, as a leader, and as a successful businessman. His resources draw on many aspects of his extensive training and international travel. With roots in Japan and the United States, Rich’s work reflects his contemplative nature and intrinsic depth. He creates interconnected environments for his extensive clientele base by uniting his iconic sculptures into the landscapes he designs. He is a massive water feature specialist with a significantly varied and many layered stone carving history, revealing a man with a patient knowledge and genuine dedication to his craft

Anthony Kaufmann- Sculptor

2008-11-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Anthony Kaufmann has potent focus, and often works by meticulously composing stone– combining layers of onyx, or marble, and basalt to form monumentally interactive pieces that leave the viewer in awe of their vast intricacy. His sculptures weave complex threads, stories from far away -the cosmos, ancient Greek mythology and historical art. He combines these threads with tales intrinsically closer to home- family, cycles of life, and cataclysmic geology. Anthony’s history with carving stone originated with basalt. For Anthony, the beauty of columnar basalt in conjunction with central Washington’s incredible geological history offers him unrivaled inspiration, shaping the core of his being, reflecting in the strength of his work.

*photo by Brandon Casazza

Tom Small-Sculptor

2008-11-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Tom Small's uniquely thought provoking sculpture aims to inspire us by pushing his art to the brink of our established comfort zones. Tom’s longstanding relationship with carving began in his teenage years. He has studied many aspects of sculpture including woodcarving, bronze casting, and metalwork, often successfully imbuing metal and stone together in his sculptures. Tom works prolifically, creating small-scale pieces and monumental commissions- from architectural water features to pure abstract form. Tom’s passion for stone is acutely reflected in his work- with influences stemming from ancient culture, modern architectural forms, geology, and his passion for the natural world. He communicates these abstract fundamentals with fluid cohesiveness and skillful mastery.

Master Carvers Gather to Carve a Slice of History

2008-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Master Basalt Carvers Gather for Workshop in Geologically Riveting Area

Imagine if you will, as early as 17 million years ago, when the oceanic tectonic plate drifted into the continental plate and formed our coastal region. Hundreds of fissures opened in the earth’s crust causing rivers of hot magma to flow and ooze over a range of expanses in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, slowly forming the spectacular basalt plateaus that we now know as the Columbia Plateau.
Fast-forward to 18,000 years ago, at a time when ice ages enveloped our region- the Cordilleran Ice Sheet covered Western Canada and into the northern U.S., descending a glacial finger part way down into the Idaho Panhandle. This finger of glacial ice dammed the flow from Clark Fork River, empowering glacial Lake Missoula to form. Think of a lake more than 3,000 square miles, and up to 2,000 feet deep, expanding to cover mountaintops and filling valleys. As the volume of the lake increased, the dam that held forth this capricious water burst, draining this massive lake in 24- 48 hours. The river that flowed was estimated to be as much as ten times the combined flows of all the rivers of the world as it carved out weaker basalt layers, left gravel bars, and suddenly dispersed glacial erratics from as far as Canada and Montana. Silt, sand, gravel and boulders were deposited as far as coastal Oregon. Concurrently, the thunderous 65 mile per hour water flow fashioned violent underwater tornadoes, which gouged potholes and scourged the land on its earth-shaking course to the Pacific Ocean.
Subtle tilts in the earth’s axis varied ice age temperatures, causing the continental ice sheet to melt and refreeze periodically. This enabled giant glacial Lake Missoula to form again and again, bursting repeatedly, impelling this area of our planet to change its landscape forever, and introducing us to some of the most unique geological features in the world.

Carving a Slice of History in Central Washington
-During the spring of 2009, in this Geologically fascinating region, surrounded by columnar basalt exposed for us by the catastrophic Missoula floods, three diverse carvers with mastery in this stone will teach a workshop. A small informed group of intermediate-master level stone carvers will attend to evolve skill, improve technique and share their extensive, collective knowledge.
For four days, carvers will set up camp in the incomprehensibly stunning raw desert between Soap Lake and Moses Lake, importing compressors, generators, and other supplies to find out everything they can about the making, historic relevance, carving, and finishing of basalt.

Sharing of Master Minds (May 1st through to May 4th- 2009)
We are privileged to announce the attendance and tutelage of the following Washington State Master Carvers:

-Genius abstractionist-Tom Small (San Juan Island)
-Awe-inspiring composite carver-Anthony Kaufmann (From Seattle/ Moses Lake)
-Sculpture magnate -Richard Hestekind (Seattle)

Throughout the four full days that have been set aside, individuals will have a palette of basalt at their disposal where they will discuss and apply complex finishing techniques, texturing of basalt, as well as working with the rind that basalt has to offer. There will be in depth, hands on column demonstrations with the vast array of power tools that basalt carvers use. Attendees will leave satiated, knowing that their skills have been honed and their knowledge hued. In addition to the practical sharing of information, we have invited Geologists, an Archeologist, and a Natural Historian to speak at length about the regions rich and varied history. The workshop will be comprehensive and many faceted, and the gathering of these like-minded individuals promises to incite inspiration and be most fun.

Media Contact:
(Workshop coordinator)
Gerda Lattey
stonewaterstudio@gmail.com
250-537-1526 (land)
250-538-8686 (cellular)

Sculptor Websites-
Anthony Kaufmann: http://www.3000bcstudios.com/
Tom Small: http://www.tomsmallsculpture.com/
For information on Richard Hestekind- contact Gerda Lattey
* Desert photo by Kentaro Kojima
* Molten Heart Venus photo by Brandon Casazza

I Went to Camp B (2008)

2008-08-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

I went to Camp B
Friday July 11:

My truck is packed – all full of the regular accoutrements one requires to holiday: Air hammer, Die Grinder, chisels, diamond pads, grinder, air hose, and extension cords, plinths to carve upon, a tent to sleep in, beer cooler for important storage, and a guitar for random entertainment needs.

This is the annual trip to Camp Brotherhood Symposium 2008 Near Mt Vernon Washington where over 70 people from ages 21 to 81 gathered to carve stone for 8 days without another care in the world. With no meals to think of cooking, no regular vocational responsibilities, and no tedious domestic safety, Camp B is a place where you can absolutely be at home without being at home. There is clarity in the generosity of spirit that seemingly everyone who attends Camp B is imbued with. Inclusiveness is tantamount; sharing knowledge is provocative and inspiring and if you want to feel illuminated by diverse spirit, find yourself inspired by art, human wholeness and general miscreant fun. You really should go.

The place? Bucolic farmland with morning and evening light that makes one want to paint, offering an undulating landscape replete with cows, rabbits, a donkey, sheep and Jurassic Emus with a sonic percussive that resonates throughout the property. Tall, straight trees, bountiful gardens, moonlight nights, and Paul- the caretaker of the farm who shows nothing but welcome kindness.

I know I’m sounding pretty positive here, but really it is like some kind of undeserving dream; I know of nowhere else like this.

This year the formidable Alexandra Morosco, who organized the instructors, invited Bob Leverich- architect, and Shannon Wean- stonemason, to design “ A Hearth Effect”. We built a beautiful fire circle. This was a participatory group project with granite cheerfully donated by Marenakos out of Seattle; a place to commune in the evening for years to come and share the legacy of the NWSSA at Camp Brotherhood for the many varied groups that attend this facility throughout the year.

NWSSA is a volunteer run organization and it’s something to protect. It was started about 20 years ago as a means to have conversations about stone, to share processes, and friendship, but moreover to teach through sharing. And this is the crux. If you have, or if you think you may have a passion for stone. You are welcome, at any level, and at any age, to come see, learn, and above all participate in carving stone.

As with most volunteer organizations, NWSSA must fundraise. This allows us to promote valuable education within the association and one of the most enjoyable ways I can think of to raise funds is to have an auction where folks donate quality items and people attending the auction bid on these impressive items. Where else can you get a $10.00 T-Shirt for $60.00 and feel good about it. On Wednesday night, aglow with laughter and wine, everyone who had fallen in love with the feisty and prodigiously talented- featured guest artist, Nora Valdez- showered her with gifts that I’m sure she will take with her on her travels as she carves monumental sculptures around the globe. People were unabashedly generous in raising well over $4000.00 and it made me so very proud to be a part.

I’ve arrived home with a couple of fresh rocks to carve from the ubiquitous, stone seeker Randy, of Neolithic Stone and some new tools from Scott, Alex, and Kentaro out of the fabulous Marenakos Rock Center. Feeling giddy with inspiration, and with tools unpacked- I can tell you that NWSSA and Camp B has left me with a sense of being able to accomplish anything through hard work and diligent focus.

Each and every one of the attendees has found a place in my heart. To quote the wisdom of Tracy Powell after attending his first Symposium 17 years ago, “I have found my tribe”. I raise a toast to memories of 2008 and look forward to July 2009 where we will successfully meet again.

*photo by David Borrowman