When you begin working with stone, and for some time after that, it can seem painfully slow and almost unyielding compared to other materials- especially if you have made the decision to try to use power tools as little as possible. That last detail may seem odd to some, working by hand when you don't need to, but working slowly, and watching for clues as to how to proceed will allow the rock to reveal things about itself to you. If you are attentive, it will let you know what it wants you to do, like a responsive partner. Artists are drawn to a particular medium to learn from it. Open yourself and you will be richly rewarded.
There really are potential sculptures hidden within and waiting for someone like you or me to uncover them. With time, you do develop a very light touch which removes just the right amount of unwanted surface material in an ever more efficient and fluid manner. You can, after cultivating this increased level of sensitivity, start to use your power tools more and more, but will probably still find the periods of work which are done entirely by hand to be the most satisfying.
The rock will give itself to you completely, if you do not attempt to overpower it.
It is a lot like approaching a lover. Ask yourself what you really want- to be done or to savor the experience and make it all that it can be. Just doing it, without really being conscious can cause you to overlook and completely miss all but the most obvious and conventional. Take your time, and watch for a response every step of the way. Ironically, you may find that learning to slow down will result in rocks opening to you more and more quickly each and every time.
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