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The owl of Minerva flies at dusk
Without the use of power tools, carving becomes a gradual scraping away of the stone. I use files, rasps, knives, and dental tools, and then polish the piece with various grades of steel wool and rubbing compounds. Finally, a coat of carnauba wax is applied to provide some protection and to enhance the colors. Soapstone is a hydrous magnesium silicate, a form of dolomite, geologically named steatite, and commonly known as talc. Metamorphic in nature, it is usually found at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,000 feet, and is mined in both open-pit and underground mines. The mineral has a smoothness which makes it pleasant to touch, and its name comes from the fact that it is as slippery as soap when wet. It is used in the cosmetic, paint, paper, and ceramic industries, and is the basic ingredient in talcum powder. Soapstone is very soft, (#1-3 on the Mohs scale with diamonds at #10), and excellent for carving, but if care is not taken, it can easily be scratched or chipped. At the same time, it loves to be felt, and oils from the hands only enhance its beauty. Found all over the world, soapstone is best known through the unique carvings of Inuits (Eskimos), Chinese, and some African tribes. I have carved soapstone from the Appalachian states, Washington, India, Africa, and Australia. But most of the soapstone I use comes from Montana. It is called dendritic soapstone and the dark blue-grey, mossy patterns are called dendrites. Dendrites were caused by manganese seeping into the soapstone sometime during its formation. Unlike the veining in marble, the dendrites do not run all the way through the piece. The sculptor has little control of their placement as they disappear and reappear during the carving process. Dendritic soapstone is rare (especially large pieces) and it is, thus far, only found in southwestern Montana—by coincidence, near a town named Cameron. Within a quarter-mile area, along with the white, dendritic soapstone, there are patches of mauve (pink), blue, and gold dendritic soapstone. These colors are even more rare and in some places the basically white stone mixed with them to produce still other colors. The stone is asbestos-free and is highly coveted by sculptors, despite its relatively higher price. Care should be taken to display the pieces in a protected location. Oils from handling cause no harm. An occasional dusting is all the cleaning required. Washing, and especially soaking in water, is discouraged. |
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The photographs below and on the other two Soapstone pages represent several of my owls currently for sale. Many of my owls are freestanding. Those on bases are pinned and epoxy glued to the base for added durability. I should have all of the owls not marked "SOLD," but once in a while, I forget to mark one. Watch this site for periodic updates. And remember, these are all one-of-a-kind, so don't expect, look for, or want to order a duplicate. The |
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S-T-R-E-T-C-H click owl for larger images |
S-T-R-E-T-C-H Just beginning a stretch, this owl is one of my new, larger carvings in Montana soapstone. It has both the dendritic pattern and swirls of manganese mixing with blue-green base color, plus a band of iron running through the extended wing. The owl, itself, is approximately 9" high, 9" wide, and 5.5" deep. It is mounted on a slab of slate, 2" thick by 9" wide and 7" deep. This, in turn, is attached to a 1/2" thick piece of dark-stained cherry that is 10" wide and 8" deep. There are 1/4" high, square cherry feet on the base. As a larger photo shows, the back is fully carved, too.
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STARE DOWN click owl for larger images
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STARE DOWN If I were to bet on a "stare down" contest between you and this owl, I would bet on the owl. This owl is carved from a piece of East Indian soapstone and it is 8.5" high x 5" wide x 4.5" deep, and carved all the way around. It is mounted on a dark-stained cherry base that is 2" high and 5" square.
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STEALTH click owl for larger images
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STEALTH This is a beautiful piece of Montana soapstone with both the dendritic pattern and swirls of manganese mixing with the base color, plus a little iron for a slightly golden cast. The owl, itself, is approximately 9" long, 4" deep, and 5" high. Add the 6" square x 3" high, dark-stained cherry base, and you have an impressive piece. As the larger photos show, the back is not carved but is smooth and polished.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
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PENNSYLVANIA
What a huge rush! What a sublime justification for the very existence of the stone. Unlike that which usually happens, the wanting and expecting were much outdone by the having. Thank you very much. Dan B. NOTE: Dan passed away on June 4th of this year. He was one of my very best customers, though we only knew each other for eight months. He came into my life for a very short time but gave me the incentive to go back to carving, more with his use of words than with his purchases, although they were considerable. |
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SOAPSTONE #1
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WOW! A large piece of mauve, dendritic soapstone. It is always a surprise to come across this color, as I find iti infrequently in my soapstone collection (about 2 tons). You need to look at the larger photos to see the expression on its face and the carved out area between the body and the tail. It is carved all around. The owl itself is 4.5" high, 3.25" wide, and 3.25" deep and is mounted on an oak base 3" square and 2" high. Price: $750.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #2 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #2 This owl certainly has a regal stance and air about her. The dendrites hide a great deal of the detail in the photos but, in person, much more is revealed. The owl is 7.75" high, 4.25" wide, and about 5.25" deep. She is carved all the way around and is mounted on a dark-stained cherry base, 5" square and 2" high. Check out the larger photos.
Price: $1,795.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #3 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #3 A small, "signature" piece, this owl strikes a restful pose while keeping a wary eye. Price: $150.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #4 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #4 A fairly large piece of stone, the owl, itself, is quite angular. The entire piece is 5.5" high and it is mounted on a dark-stained oak base, 3" square and 1.75" high. Price: $450.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #5 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #5 A small slab of soapstone became a nice owl, made to fit in this piece of scrap oak from the man who makes my bases. (He makes hardwood toys and there's a link to his Web site on My Links page) Anyway, the entire piece is 6.75" high, the owl is 1/2" thick, and the base, also of oak, is 2" x 2" x 1". Price: $165.00 |
Hi. I´ve got my owls . They are here and they are excellent. Thanks for the extras. You´re a great artist. If you need something from Spain let me know. Thanks again,
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SOAPSTONE #6 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #6 This very triangular piece of soapstone leaves very little for this owl to stand on. But the owl is fully carved with lovely dendrites throughout. It stands 5" high and is mounted on a dark-stained, 4" x 4" x 2" cherry base. The owl seems a bit serendipity to me.
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SOAPSTONE #7 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #7 A rather interesting pose and a nice piece of Montana stone makes this owl a keeper. With one large eye staring upwards, one might Perhaps it is wondering why the moon is so full.It is carved all the way around and has a nice amount of dendrites The owl is about 3.5" and pretty well fills its 3" x 3" x 2" cherry base. Price: $350.00
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click owl for larger images
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As mentioned above, I seem to come across this mauve color less frequently than I did in the past. It is actually manganese, the same thing that causes the mossy pattern on so many of my pieces, that creates this color. I enjoyed bringing the little owl out of this piece of stone. Its wing hangs down over the front of a triangular piece of oak. The owl is about 3 " high, 3 " wide, and 2.5" deep. It is carved all around and the oak base is 4.5" long x 2" wide at the widest point, and 1" high. Price: $295.00 |
SOAPSTONE #9 click owl for larger images
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There is an owl among those dendrites and she coyly peeks out from behind a wing. The larger photos show the image much better. The back is smooth and the owl is 3" high x 3" wide, and 1.75" deep. The oak base is 3" x 2" x 1". Price: $195.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #10
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This is almost a minimalist piece in that I only carved detail on the face. It has a rather nice pose and , although the back is "smooth and polished," some impurities in the stone make it feel a bit rough. There is some iron that shows prominently where that rough area is, but I still like the piece well enough. Be sure to check out the larger photos. The sculpture is 4.75" high and is mounted on a dark-stained oak base, 2.5" square x 1 " high.
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SOAPSTONE #11 click owl for larger images
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An abstraction of a barn owl and a pretty piece of stone made a nice combination. The owl has a lot of character and is 3.25" high, 3" wide and 1.75" deep. The back is smooth and polished. The dark mahogany base is 3" x 2" x 1" high. Price: $175.00 |
ENGLAND Just a short note to let you know that your soapstone owl arrived safely this
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SOAPSTONE #12 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #12
The owl is about 5.25" high and is mounted on a cherry base 4.25" x 2" x 1". Check out the larger photos. Price: $175.00 |
SOAPSTONE #13 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #13
The piece stands 4" high and is mounted on a dark-stained cherry base 3" x 3" x 1.25" high.
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SOAPSTONE #14 click owl for larger images
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Hurrah! An owl of a different color! I am not certain where this soapstone came from so I will leave it at that. It is not as fine a texture at the Montana stone, but I managed to carve this simple little owl. It photographed beautifully, in my opinion. The owl is 2.5" high, 2.75" wide, and 1" deep. The oak base is 3" x 2" x 1" high Price: $125.00  Depoe Bay, Oregon |
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SOAPSTONE #15 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #15 It's too bad you can't hold this one in your hand. Obviously, the owl shows a great deal of movement, but because of my lack of photographic skills, I was unable to capture the nice detail on this piece. It's a pretty piece of stone with some splotches of iron. The owl is 4.75" long, over 2.5" high, and 2.5" deep. It is fully carved and mounted on a dark-stained oak base that is 4.25" long, 2" deep, and 1" high. Price: $250.00
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SOAPSTONE #16 click owl for larger images |
SOAPSTONE #16
Price: $225.00
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SOAPSTONE #17 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #17
This owl has been donated to the annual Art and Antiques Auction for Wisconsin Public Television to be held on May 27th, 2008. It is possible to bid by proxy, so watch this space for further instructions. Price: $225.00 |
SOAPSTONE #18 click owl for larger images
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The coloring of this owl is really nice. I only wish the owl were much larger. Can you spot the areas containing iron? For me, they seem hard to miss. It stands 1.75" high, 1.75" wide, and a little more than 1" deep. The back is smooth and polished.ri
Price: $65.00
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SOAPSTONE #19
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SOAPSTONE #19
She is about 4.5" high, 3" wide, and 1.25" thick in some places. The owl is mounted on a 3" x 2" x 1" oak base. Check out the larger photos for this one, too. Price: $175.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #20 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #20 Even with all the dendrites, the detail on this owl shows quite well. The back of this bird is smooth and polished. The owl is slightly less than 4" high, 2.75" wide, and over 2" deep. It is mounted on a cherry base, 3" x 2" x 1" high. Price: $195.00
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SOAPSTONE #21 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #21 Angular is the word again, but this owl's wings almost appear to serve as a cape. The owl is carved all the way around and it is worth a look at the larger photos The owl, itself, is about 2.75" high, 2.25" wide, and 2.25" thick and mounted on a dark oak base that is 2 " x 2" x 1". Price: $195.00 |
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click photo for a little larger image of the owl
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It looks so large, here, but it is only 2.75" high, 2" wide, and 1" deep. The full face seems to be looking at some tasty creature, but its appetite is already satiated. Note the tiny spot of iron (orangish) about in the middle of the owl at the edge of the wing. The owl is mounted on an oak base, 1.5" square and .5" high and the back is smooth and polished. Price: $135.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #23
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SOAPSTONE #23 A rather tall and thin owl, it embodies a very fine example of dendritic soapstone. The back of the owl is smooth and polished. It is mounted on an oak base that is 2" x 2" x 1" high. The owl is about 2.25" wide, 2.25" deep and 4.75" high. Price: $175.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #24 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #24 WOW! It is very seldom, now, that I come across a piece of dendritic soapstone that is, as the ladies call it, "mauve." (I only see pink) Geologists have told me that this "pink" is also caused by the manganese that forms the dendrites, but it just was not concentrated enough to to form the usual mossy pattern. There are, however, two, tiny dendrites on the top of its shoulder, as well as small, almost white areas where no manganese seeped in. The largest piece of this color was my 1995 Birds in Art owl, Impressions on a Winter's Eve. See my Birds in Art page from the top menu. The owl, itself, is about 3.75" high, 3.5" wide, and about 1.25" thick.
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SOAPSTONE #25 click owl for larger images
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This owl is carved all around and strikes a very strong pose. Dendrites, the fine pattern on the bird, come and go as one carves, but they ended up in a nice pattern on this piece. The owl is about 3" high, 3.75" wide, and 3.5" deep. It is mounted on a dark-stained oak base that is 2.5" square and 1" high. Price: $375.00
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SOAPSTONE #26 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #26 The wing in back is not fully carved, but the outline of it shows behind the head of this owl. There are a lot of nice dendrites and a little splash of iron, here and there. The owl is about 4.25" high, 3" wide, and 2.5" high. It sits on an oak base, 3" square x 1.75".
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SOAPSTONE #27
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A wing over one eye makes this a signature piece, but this little owl has nice detail, dendrites, and swirls to give it a lot of character. The owl is 2.25" high, 2" wide, and 1.75" deep and is mounted on an oak base, 1.5" square and .5" high. Price: $125.00 |
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SOAPSTONE #28 click owl for larger images
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SOAPSTONE #28 Large dendrites, deposits of manganese, if you don't remember, attempt to hide the detail on this owl. As you can see, the stone is very white. The owl is about 2" high, 2" wide, and 1.25" deep.
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SOAPSTONE #29 click owl for larger images
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It is small and skinny but this owl strikes a strong pose just the same. Obviously, there is a nice smattering of dendrites that only seem to add to its character. The owl is 2.25" high, 1.5" wide, and over 1.5" deep. The base is oak and 1.5" square and .5" high. Price: $95.00
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To go to Soapstone
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If you would like to see some owls I have sold |
Cameron Owls
Clarence P. Cameron
633 Cedar Street
Madison, WI 53715-2117
608.256.0444
clarowl@owlman.com
Copyright ©1999-2008
Cameron Owls
Clarence P. Cameron
All Rights Reserved
label next to an owl reflects the fact that the owl is new to the Web site. It is usually a new carving, too, but not necessarily. LAYAWAYS are possible. E-mail me for terms.
CLICK ON THIS OWL