Kanji "Peace"

I liked the structure of the Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese writing) characters that form the word “peace” and I thought it fit the smooth granite stone, and have always imagined it lying near a water feature in a garden. The Bible says that “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) But peace on earth is a fragile thing, and not possible in all circumstances. In John 16:33 (NASB), Jesus said “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." For me, this carving represents peace – not in the world but in spite of it through the power of Christ.

Once Upon a Time

I still think all the best stories begin this way. I especially like to use this phrase when telling my boys about how I met their mother, because I want them to believe in such things as a storybook romances and happy endings. That is why I used an illuminated O to begin the lettering – because it brings to mind a fairy tale.

The stone I used was reclaimed from a pile of leftovers from the construction of a house - sort of a phoenix from the flames - but that is another story.

Faith, Hope, & Love

My inspiration for this project came from 1 Corinthians 13. One of my first carvings was the word “faith” for a Christmas gift for my lovely wife. I like the understated quality of the untinted lettering on the limestone. The words “faith” and “love” were carved out of a different piece of stone than “hope”, which explains why they are a slightly lighter shade. In fact, when I washed the pieces after carving them, I could actually hear the water being absorbed into the rock, as though the stone was thirsty. I bet there is a sermon in there somewhere.

Celtic Cross

I have always liked Celtic designs. In fact it was a Celtic stonecarving that I saw being created at a Renaissance Festival that first drew me to carving, so I had been looking for just the right piece of stone to support the intricate detail of this cross design. I came across this dense piece of sandstone at a local home & garden store and I immediately knew I had a match. This was one of those projects where I could barely wait to finish, simply so I could stand back and appreciate it. This is one of my favorite pieces.

Dragonfly

I smile whenever I see this stone, because it reminds me of a sunny afternoon, a bicycle ride, and playing creekside at Sugar Creek with my boys.  We often come back with our pockets bulging with treasures, and one afternoon in late summer of 2009 we returned with this small river stone.  I thought a dragonfly was an appropriate memento of summer; so much so that this piece remained on my desk throughout the snowy winter, reminding me of summer adventures yet to come.  May it do the same for you.

David