What challenges arise when carving fine facial features into granite?
Carving fine facial features into granite presents several unique challenges due to the material's inherent properties. Granite is an extremely hard and dense stone, making it difficult to achieve intricate details without specialized tools. The hardness of granite accelerates tool wear, requiring frequent sharpening or replacement to maintain precision. Additionally, the stone's granular structure can cause unintended fractures or chipping when working on delicate areas like eyes or lips. Artists must also account for the lack of malleability, as granite doesn't allow for easy corrections once carved. Despite these challenges, mastering granite carving results in durable, breathtaking sculptures that stand the test of time.
