Practical Sculpture

Description

Rather like the missing ingredient from a borrowed recipe, nothing frustrates Sally Hersh more than a 'How To' book with great gaps left in the process. The author's prime purpose here is to leave no part of the sculpting procedure unexplained and to this end Practical Sculpture is a complete and fully illustrated step-by-step guide to the art of stone carving and modelling and casting portrait heads. The methods and techniques described within have been successfully honed through more than thirty years of teaching in the UK and France and are aimed at the professional and amateur alike. The projects described are well within an amateur's ability, without the need of expensive equipment. Much useful advice is given on creating an adequate workshop environment, with guidance on where to get appropriate tools and equipment. There is an informative section on the geology of British stone and a listing of stone and equipment providers. References on Health and Safety in the workplace also offer the reader essential and practical advice. The enthusiasm and clarity with which the book is written will inspire and empower its readers to achieve their artistic goals.

Sally Hersh was an established Sculptor of some forty years experience. Initially well known for her lifelike portrait heads she moved on to express her artistry in stone; carving marble, limestone and alabaster into tactile life and organic forms. Her broad experience enabled a long and successful teaching career in both the UK and France and her prominent commissions have taken her sculpture worldwide. Sally was widely sought after for the beautiful stone and slate Sundials she created for public and private locations in the UK, Europe and the USA. She was endowed with British Sundial Society awards and created, amongst other commissions, the centrepiece Sundial at The Rothermere American Institute, Oxford University, to commemorate the life of Princess Margaret. Sally died in 2010, shortly after completing this book.