What are the challenges of sculpting curved surfaces in granite animal sculptures?

Sculpting curved surfaces in granite animal sculptures presents several unique challenges due to the material's inherent properties. Granite is an extremely hard and dense stone, making it difficult to carve smooth, flowing curves without specialized tools. The artist must carefully plan each cut to avoid fractures, as granite's brittleness can lead to unintended breaks. Additionally, achieving fine details on curved surfaces requires exceptional skill and patience, as the stone's granular structure can cause uneven textures. Tools like diamond-tipped chisels and grinders are often necessary, but even with these, the process is time-consuming. Finally, polishing curved areas to a flawless finish demands precision, as any mistakes can ruin the sculpture's aesthetic appeal. Mastering these challenges separates novice carvers from true artisans in granite animal sculpture.