From Wikipedia: ‘Sabi' refers to the beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its
patina and wear, or in any visible repairs.
This sculpture has been named: “Sabi”. The stone is a small piece of Bardiglio marble from Italy, which was gifted to me by a dear friend. This piece of marble has many fracture lines and internal bruises from so many years ago.
Hand tools were used with extreme care during the shaping to avoid excessive stress on the multiple fracture points in an attempt to reveal the beauty of the stone. A part of the stone has been kept in the raw unworked state.
Working with the stones teaches me lessons. I slow down, and listen. I fear that if I go too fast, I may miss seeing the beauty that is within. By going too fast, there are times I make mistakes that I learn to regret.
I don’t favor power tools, they are too fast, They would let me make mistakes even faster! I don’t always have to be in a rush. Perhaps the power tools have their place. Like cars or planes, they let me get from point A to point B, however, there are times I just need to walk and enjoy what I see.
Some stones have flaws from early in their lives. Some flaws may be bruises, some bruises are just on the surface and others are deep within the stone. Because of these hurts, they must be treated differently. Some of these hurts just can’t be eliminated, they just have to be accepted. Some stones have cracks. If one uses too much pressure, the whole stone may fracture. One must be patient, and gentle.
This is a small piece of Bardiglio marble. I’m trying to work slowly and learn what the stone is telling me. This stone has many cracks and bruises. It’s a beautiful stone that has been around for so many years. I hope the beauty has been able to be brought out to be enjoyed, and the flaws, accepted.
This small sculpture is about 5 inches tall, is finished with Goddard’s marble polish and is pin and sleeve mounted on a piece of waxed wood.
I am honored to know that this piece, which spoke to me, as I worked with it, has gone to a home where it will be surrounded by other beautiful pieces of art.
