A better customer? Sounds like a harsh statement, doesn’t it? After all, isn’t it up to the company to try to be better for you? Well yes, but why not give yourself some advantages that will ensure the most success with your natural stone project. On websites and on the internet in general, you’ll find many lists…
Making radius countertops for most stone fabricators is simple enough, but things get a little more labor intensive when forming mitered, bowed front edges, essentially creating the illusion of a solid curved piece of stone out of thin, flat material. So, starting with a slab of 3/4″ travertine, we began our usual process by photographing…
With the Christmas season upon us, I’d like to share something a little unusual. So, let’s make something… The way we cut stone is either with diamond tipped blades, or by abrasive waterjet, with the waterjet being the more interesting of the two methods. Allow me to demonstrate: An abrasive waterjet is pretty straight forward….
“You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby! You’re gonna die…” -W. Axl Rose I’ll admit, based on the online community’s chatter on Brazilian travel, I had reservations about going there. Reading about the high crime rate, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, along with statements like “always keep a few reais in your pocket for…
In route to the Marmomacc stone fair, we once again planned a few “extra” adventures before conducting our business in northern Italy. Starting in Bari, we made our way off the beaten path to the ancient city of Matera, one of the longest continually inhabited cities on the planet. The oldest parts of this Basilicata…
I had the pleasure of recently collaborating with an old childhood acquaintance and artist extraordinaire Vincent DeFelice. Vince is well known for his magnificent bronze work throughout the city, and in collections throughout the country. One of his works is displayed in none other than the Papal apartment in the Vatican. Aside from the Pope…
You don’t need to see his identification. These aren’t the sheep you’re looking for. Move along, move along… Ireland doesn’t reveal it’s stone history easily. It takes some effort and a little luck to experience the fantastic beauty of this island’s geologic treasures. Our travels began in Dublin to a rocky start (no pun intended)…
Recently, I have been preoccupied with the design of my new major sculpture, one that I figure will take about a year to complete. In doing so, I passed on submitting a piece to the last Northwest Museum of Art and Culture event, and was planning on bowing out of the Spokane Valley Art Council’s annual fundraiser this May…
One of consumers main concerns regarding granite countertops is that they must be sealed. Competing solid surface products enjoy pointing this fact out, to instill fear into the prospective customer. Score one for the competitors because, yes, granite should be sealed. But to discredit it out of fear? I think they are insulting the intelligence…
Stupas, monks and dogs… The first thing you notice when visiting Myanmar, besides hearing the delightful “Mingalaba” out of everyones mouth, is the unbelievable amount of golden stupas and pagodas dotting the countryside. Thousands of them. I’ve never seen so much gold since Mike Myers starred in Goldmember. “I love gooold…” Running a close second for…