Walter S. Arnold, Sculptor/Stone Carver: Classically Trained in Italy. Custom hand-carved stone sculpture. Made in the USA and Italy.

Walter S. Arnold Sculptor/Stonecarver: Classically Trained in Italy. Custom hand-carved stone sculpture. Made in the USA and Italy.Classically Trained in Italy. Custom hand-carved stone sculpture. Made in the USA and Italy.
 
resources

 

Designing and Carving a Fireplace


VRML 3D fireplace model -250k
If your browser supports VRML 3D models, you can click the above image to see a model of this fireplace. VRML is a 3D format for web graphics. You can download a plugin to view these models from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The file is large and detailed, weighing in at 260k. Below is the actual fireplace. Compare it to the model.    
This fireplace was Installed in April, 2000 © Walter S. Arnold 42-K

Below are two pictures. The first is a 3D computer rendering that I created during the design phase. The lower photo shows some of the actual carved limestone pieces, laid out on my studio floor. 

fireplace rendering

cutting the arch

This shows the work in progress. Click for a detail photo of the keystone- the color is more accurate in this photo, but the lighting doesn't show the raised center of the key.
Fireplace cornice with carved dentils

Here is the cornice- the corners are a separate piece of stone from the center; here you see the joint between the blocks of stone.

 measuring and carving the capital

Pointing the capital. This is an ancient method of measuring from a model, a method of 3D digitizing that dates back thousands of years. It is described in more detail on my Tools of the Trade page in the resource section of this site.

Pre assembly in studio to confirm alignment of all pieces
 The fireplace is finished. Before shipping it to my client I laid out the 22 pieces of stone on my studio floor. This was to check that everything was properly aligned, and to confirm that all details looked correct and worked in concert to create a unified design. Installation took place in April, 2000.

Other pages showing work in progress and the creative process:
Unless otherwise specified these fireplaces are carved in Indiana limestone. I work in a variety of different limestones and marbles. Since my work is custom, hand carved to order, the prices depend on factors such as design, size, detailing, and type of stone or marble. Therefore I do not have a standard catalog or price list.