Artist Cindy Presant

This Turtles-and-Frogs themed Tic-Tac-Toe set was a commission from a friend for her husband for Valentine's Day. It was the first (and possibly only!) game set I have ever carved from soapstone. It had many challenges. First, there were technical aspects to get right, like the board and playing piece dimensions. The pieces themselves have the diameter of a loonie; I cut and rasped 9 small cylinders (actually, about 14, until I got the sizing right, lol) of soapstone t...hat I then gradually carved down into the turtle and frog shapes. Sanding them to 600 grit was a "meditative process". Then I had issues like wondering how the set could be moved without the pieces sliding off. I solved this by gouging circular depressions slightly larger than the pieces. The technical aspects would have gone fairly quickly with power tools, which I did not use. Every last detail was carved and sanded by hand. The board was oiled with 3 coats of Tung oil; the playing pieces were not, as per my friend's wishes. They will acquire a natural patina over time. I got news this morning that the set was well received, and that the Frogs prevailed in the premier game. Go Frogs!

I was working on the Snowy Owl this afternoon, carving the talons, which is a slow process. The carving is nearly done. To take a break from fine detail work, I did some preliminary sanding using 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper, to see how the form was developing. This is white Spanish Alabaster, so it is a bit difficult to see the veining and colourations, which are subtle but interesting. The photo here shows the chest and back of the head. As I hoped, some of the veining accentuates the form of the bird. This is the first major carving I have done in Alabaster, which is harder than Canadian Soapstone, my usual stone of choice. I am looking forward to seeing how the veining and colouration are emphasized when I reach the oiling stage, hopefully in a few days.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's certainly been an unusual year, but art and life continue. I am looking forward to a quiet celebration at home this Christmas, then a renewed focus for art in the New Year. I am developing some exciting goals and plans for 2021, which I will share as the winter progresses. Peace and blessings to you all. Stay safe, stay healthy.

I'm working on a Snowy Owl carving in Spanish Alabaster. It's at that exciting stage where I can really see the form developing, so I wanted to share that with you, although the carving is not yet finished. This is a minute video of the carving on a marble turntable. This location by the front door had the best light for showing the beautiful translucency and subtle colour variations in the stone, but was also accessible to my cat, Rosie, who found the whole process very interesting.

Here are some thoughts for the day. Thanks for sharing, Lloyd Paul. :)