Sculptor Jack Inson’s stone carvings combine realism and abstraction drawn from nature. To see more of his intricate and expressive sculptures, visit his website.
“Luna” (front view) White Marble, 10” x 7.5” x 7”
My search for an art medium that expresses my inner love for nature, realism and abstraction has lead me down many creative roads. These include paths in plein air oil painting along the western coast and into the mountains of my much loved New Mexico, painting large backdrops while working in the film industry in Los Angeles and murals around the United States. I have also worked in clay which I then fired into finished ceramic art pieces. This trek has led into many differing mediums and art techniques leading to my current passion for carving stone.
“Luna” (side view) White Marble, 10” x 7.5” x 7”
I began stone carving following my wife’s request that I carve gemstones that she could set into handmade silver settings. It has been a one way street ever since, from small figuratively carved gems to much larger stone pieces.
“Datura Anna” White Marble, 9.5” x 6.25” x 10.5”
I utilize many of the same tools today on the large pieces that I first used on the gemstones; files, hand grinding tools and polishing equipment.
“Sacred Datura” (front view) White Marble, 11” x 12” x 6”
On the larger pieces, I use standard stone carving hand tools to work out broad areas then change to pneumatic tools and hand grinding tools, and on to the final polishing tools.
“Sacred Datura” (back view) White Marble, 11” x 12” x 6”
It is my love of the realism and abstractions of nature combined with the character and substance of the stone itself that inspires me in my creations.
Clay Figures, Oil Clay, 21” x 13” x 24”
This is combined with a deep passion for those stylistic elements of cultures that give definition to their societies and the exploration of what gives these social features birth.
“Piedra Blanca” (front view) Yule Marble, 8.25” x 5” x 12.75”
The process of my work begins with the first mistake—that first stroke that forces an intimidating disturbance of the material I have selected to modify and call my work of art.
“Piedra Blanca” (side view) Yule Marble, 8.25” x 5” x 12.75”
This route also requires a bit of courage and sensitivity to the materials involved.
“Spring Forward” (front view) Afyon Marble, 15” x 13” x 12”
I then work to balance what needs balancing—making the relationship between elements relate, and at the same time trying to understand what the stone is saying.
“Spring Forward” (back view) Afyon Marble, 15” x 13” x 12”
This is the interaction between me and the stone that with a lot of practice and luck becomes what I hope deserves to be declared a work of art.
Artist Jack Inson invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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