Sandstone Carving Process
Conder’s sandstone carving process combines traditional
craftsmanship with modern techniques
To begin a new sculpture, Conder, first works out an idea for the sculpture in drawings or by modelling a maquette in clay.
Once a suitable sandstone block has been chosen from the quarry he can start to plan around the stone. Looking at the stone to determine the direction of the grain. Wetting the sandstone with water helps display the grain, often appearing as distinctive colour patterns.
Once he has determined the direction of the grain, he can begin transferring his design on all sides of the stone with a crayon and commence carving the stone using a combination of traditional hand tools and modern equipment to achieve different textures and finishes.
Process of creating ‘Cibella’ 2020 – commissioned by Crown Casion, Sydney
Traditional Sandstone Carving Tools Used by Christophe Conder
Master sculptor Christophe Conder relies on traditional hand tools to shape, refine, and polish his sandstone sculptures. These time-honored tools allow him to achieve intricate detail and stunning finishes while preserving the integrity of the stone.
Chisels are essential for shaping and detailing. The point chisel removes large chunks of stone quickly, while the toothed chisel (claw chisel) creates texture and refines surfaces. The flat chisel smooths, sharpens edges, and defines intricate details.
Mallets are used to strike chisels with controlled force. Wooden or rawhide mallets provide a softer impact, reducing chisel wear, whereas steel mallets (or hammers) deliver stronger force for heavy-duty carving.
The pitching tool is a thick chisel designed for breaking off large sandstone sections with precision. Rasps and rifflers help refine details, smooth edges, and create intricate textures.
For cutting, hand saws and bow saws with carbide or diamond-coated blades allow for precise sandstone shaping.
To achieve a smooth and polished finish, Conder uses natural stone and abrasive grit blocks, carefully refining the surface to enhance the sandstone’s natural beauty.
Through the mastery of these time-tested tools and techniques, Conder ensures each sculpture retains an organic, handcrafted quality that is both durable and artistically expressive.