Bas-Relief is an ancient art form that has been used for thousands of years by artists from different countries and cultures. It is closely linked to high relief. Some of the earliest known bas-reliefs are on the walls of caves, perhaps 30,000 years ago. Petroglyphs—images carved onto the walls of caves or other rock surfaces—were sometimes treated with color, as well, which helped to accentuate the reliefs.

Later, bas-reliefs were added to the surface of stone structures built by ancient Egyptians and Assyrian people. You can see similar examples of these types of sculptures in ancient Greek and Roman art. One such famous sculpture is the Parthenon Frieze which features sculptures of Poseidon, Apollon, and Artemis. Some of the most famous bas-relief sculptures ever made were created during the ancient times. Examples include the Temple of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Lion Capital of Ashokan Empire in India.

Bas-relief \bah-rih-LEEF\ noun.

art : sculptural relief in which the projection from the surrounding surface is slight and no part of the modeled form is undercut; also : sculpture executed in bas-relief.

It is a two dimensional technique requiring patience and tenacity. The best way to understand the meaning of bas-relief is to see one—and the easiest way to do that is to look at a penny, nickel, or other coin and examine the raised images on it; they're all bas-reliefs. English speakers adopted bas-relief from French (where bas means "low" and relief means "raised work") during the mid-1600s; earlier, we borrowed the synonymous basso-relievo from Italian. source: Merriam Webster Dictionary

The expression In the Round, which dates from about 1800, was at first used for a free-standing piece of sculpture (as opposed to a relief on a wall). More generally, since the 1920s, it has also been used figuratively for someone or something seen three-dimensionally.

Sculpture in the round is a type of sculpture in which the figures are presented in complete three-dimensional form and are not attached to a flat background (unlike relief).  If you think about a painting hanging on a wall, then you know you can only see the front. The back of it is usually against a wall or stand. 

The principal types of sculpture in the round are statues, busts, and sculptural groups. Sculpture in the round can be viewed either from one definite or several vantage points. It can also be seen from all sides, giving the viewer several complementary perspectives.

Famous "In the Round" pieces include Venus de Milo, (believed to depict Aphrodite) The Veiled Virgin and Michaelangelo’s David, a 17 foot marble statue of the Biblical figure David.

Sources:

• The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979).
• Wikipedia

The primary tools used by a sculptor for stone carving are the point chisel, tooth chisel (rake), flat straight chisel, and hammer of different sizes and weights. All these tools are made with high-carbon steel and have been tempered to increase their strength.

Since prehistoric times, the tools used in sculpture have been refined to provide more accuracy and allow artists to add more finesse and quality to their pieces.

The most popular styles of wood carving tools are: straight chisel, with a straight flat edge; straight gouge, with a curved cutting edge which will range in depth; short bent, with a small spoon-like dip used for quick deep cuts; long bent, which will make a long deep cut; straight skew, with a diagonal cutting edge.

Functional art refers to aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes. The genre is remarkably inclusive: it encompasses everything from furniture and lighting to dishes and even books. Functional art is generally applied art - art created for use, designed to serve a purpose and with an aesthetic in mind.

What are the benefits of functional arts? Many of the products we use, such as ceramics, quilts, baskets, and furniture, have a practical purpose while also being fashioned or ornamented in an artistically beautiful manner. Hand carved doors, tables, furniture and wall décor’ offer a unique way to enhance objects that are used in daily life.

Commission works are a collaboration with the artist. In your first conversation with the sculptor you will discuss the goal of the piece of artwork. You will chat about the medium that you're interested in, what the purpose of it is, where it will be installed, your budget and your timeline for completion. The sculptor will make recommendations as to the best way to proceed and request some images that you might have in mind. From there he will draft ideas and drawings and they will be emailed to you for discussion. Once you have come to an agreement on a design a contract will be set, you will pay a deposit and the project can begin.

You can contact us at this link or call 802-746-8110.

The process for ordering a custom memorial is very similar as ordering a commission work. However, memorials that are being installed often have a size and shape requirement. Ultimately the purchaser will want to provide that information as well as the final resting place for the memorial work. The process will also include recommendations for installation. It is a very personal type of work, one the sculptor specializes in.

Hand carved custom signs that introduce your company create an impression whether in wood or marble. Marble is always recommended for outside installations as they will weather well and last for year, whereas wood is far more vulnerable when utilized outside. We recommend wood carved signs either be mounted under cover or mounted inside which is just as inviting.

This is a multi-faceted question. Any sculpture done with hammer and chisel (no power tools) takes time. The amount of time in a two – dimensional piece varies on whether or not the artist is working in stone or wood. Stone is more forgiving with a less pronounced grain and moves more quickly than wood as the grain in wood can change directions throughout the panel. Still, there are countless hours in any carving, and the time taken is based on the design and detail of the piece. A work “in the round” whether in marble or wood takes a great deal more time, as the artist is working all sides at once in an effort to keep the piece in balance and true in perspective.

The price of a commission piece will vary based on the medium, design and complexity. Beyond the actual artwork is the cost of the product and the shipping. All of this is discussed prior to any commission undertaking. Custom hand-carved sculptures often become priceless in any family collection and are handed down through generations. Marble carved memorials leave a lasting message for the ages.