the stones as found, their unique shape and size, inspires the working of each
"skystone"
the stones find me
Artists have always been drawn to the wilderness for inspiration. Authenticity is key to making great art. Each Skystone is forever connected to a specific place, its inhabitants, and the minerals that are found there. These beautiful places are discovered by exploring abandoned mines, washes, and mountains on forgotten and eroded roads. The transportation used is an off-road motorcycle. When the roads end or become impassable, the walking journey begins! These expeditions are rarely planned, guided by whim and curiosity, and challenged by the physical and spiritual realms. Other people are seldom present. The unknown is the only known. All of the stones, rocks, minerals, and crystals begin their journey to the studio and eventually become one-of-a-kind treasures!
sculptor
Carl is a true adventurer, a naturalist, explorer, sculptor, and designer. He’s always on the lookout for new, exciting remote places,
“Skystones” is a deep dive into the physical and spiritual world of the Deserts in Arizona. These places are both extreme and beautiful, and filled with unique ecology, geology, and cultural relics.
From his studio in Phoenix, Carl takes these beautiful found stones and minerals and carves them. Guided by their intrinsic characteristics. The larger of these has the old Norse letter “C” (<) carved into it. He sees each piece as a work of art, a way to honor the epic road to discovery, appreciative of the incredible process that nature began eons ago.
how they are made
The collected stones are brought to the studio, washed, and brushed clean. Some are soaked in vinegar or a weak acid to remove calcium and iron stains. Using simple grinding wheel machinery, the carving and shaping process begins. The shape of each “Skystone” is determined by the stone’s natural form and remains consistent throughout the polishing process. Hand polishing plays a significant role in this process. The old Norse letter for the “C” in Carl’s first name and his grandfather’s is intricately carved into the stone, evoking the runestones found in Norway. This letter holds profound significance, symbolizing a torch, vision, revelation, creativity, and technical prowess. Once completed, each “Skystone” embarks on a new journey, becoming a unique and cherished gift in the hands of its recipients.