Next meeting: Saturday, November 11 @ 10 am

 at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas

Stone Carving
with Paul Herrera

Paul Herrera will give a demonstration and explanation of the inscription making process that was used, and continues to be used, in Father Catich's classroom workshop in Davenport, Iowa. “We have a slightly different approach than you find in other stone inscription shops. Our method is one that Father established as a sign-painter/scholar while studying ancient Latin and Greek inscriptions,” according to Paul, who taught at St. Ambrose University with Father Catich.

For the program Paul will give a descriptive overview of a stone art project in terms of the step-by-step process from beginning to the finished piece. Paul’s chosen material is recycled slate. He uses pieces that are often cut from old school chalkboards or billiard tabletops. “It is fairly easy to shape the silhouette of the stone to make the final composition of a work more interesting.” That appeals to him. “Slate also offers a surface that is easily prepared and is smooth enough to paint upon. A smooth surface is generally used although the 'rough' side of the stone can provide an interesting element as well.” Any letterform or pictorial can be cut in slate, whether it be a heavy or delicate image.

Paul will also bring examples of his finished work as well as tools and practice pieces of slate that calligraphy guild members can use for their own hands-on inscription cutting experience. 

No supply list this month.