Jane Jaskevich
The Process

I am a direct carver. The shape of the boulder suggests an idea. I draw on the stone and attack it with a pneumatic tooth chisel.

Usually I start with the figure’s face, letting it control the proportions for the rest of the piece. If there is a interesting form to the left I may let the hair drift in that direction or put a bird there. The pieces evolve almost on there own. After roughing out the shape, I use an angle grinder with 4"diamond or masonry wheels as shown in the photo.

A face may emerge suggesting a certain emotion influencing the gesture of the arms. I want my images to generate a response from the viewer. More carving is done using carbide and diamond burrs with electric and air grinders. Italian riffle hand files are used to create eyes, fingers and small details.

The final sanding is long and tedious. Usually seven grades of sandpaper are used to create the polished surface. The piece is finished with a wax to protect it and add a slight shine. Certain areas as skin or hair may be left less sanded and not waxed to create separation of form.

When wood is carved an electric chain saw and pneumatic wood gouges are used.

My sculptures appear to be "born" out of the material. I feel sometimes I am more midwife than creator. The mystery is not only in the finished image but also in the process.