Jerry Vasconcellos has been carving stone for over 35 years. His major source of material is the volcanic basalt of islands he lives on but he also brings materials home with him when ever he travels. His process involves connecting with the material and carving according to that connection. "The stone of an area is that area. I love the connection I get from carving a part of the land. When I carve Hawaiian basalt, i feel very connected to my homeland. When I carve stone from a trip I connect with the area of that trip "
(click picture to enlarge)
Ho'oulu (the inspiration) - Basalt
This Piece was commissioned for Jeri Putnum the Art Center at Hawaii Prep Academy in Kamuela on the island of Hawaii.
The Black Madonna - Basalt
This was a commission for Ala Kukui, a retreat center in Hana Maui What you see are two sides of the same piece.