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Inside a stone ender barn in rural Rhode Island, the ancient art of stone carving has come to life. For 2mallets owner Cathy Walls and her
husband, Dick, this idyllic setting is where they live and work. A 200 year old historic home and cluster of farm buildings sit amidst open fields with grazing horses and winding stone walls.
The entire landscape seems to breathe in harmony with the work.2mallets collaborates with other artists to create hand carved messages and images in stone. Connecting the words with the stone
and the stone with the words is vital. And it is when they are joined together that they tell the story. The process is long and, like any art form, it can't be forced. When the carved
original is finished, it goes to a small casting company where it is used to create high quality stone composite reproductions. Each one is hand cast and finished to preserve the highest level of detail; all are weather
resistant. Many of the pieces reflect words written centuries ago from the familiar St. Francis of Assisi to the lesser known Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu. Cathy explains: "The work is made to
remind us to draw wisdom from the ages and, by keeping it visible in our daily lives, we experience its strength. The words we remember and keep are the ones that validate our feelings, help us endure and inspire us to
change. People are drawn to our work because it speaks to them; it's part of their story and ours, as well." Each stone comes with a story card that tells you about the artist, the inspiration for the
piece, the process and how to care for your purchase. Prices range from $10 to $90.
CATHY WALLS ...
For Cathy Walls, the love of words and
stone grew from seeds planted in childhood, and it was when she learned to carve words into stone that the pieces of her life came together. As a young girl, her Mom showed her how to make a garden wall and
she's been in love with stone ever since. The thirst for words finds its roots in an old newspaper clipping her Mom had saved. Cathy penned those words and for 40 years they hung, matted and framed, in daily
view. Today they hang against the stone in her studio as an inspiration and a connection to the past. "I understand now that she saved the words because they spoke to her and through them I was given a
precious glimpse of what lay on her heart. When someone speaks the words that we cannot, we gain strength in knowing we are not alone. Maybe that's why I'm so passionate about this work; the words, while
unspoken, come to life through the stone." |
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KARIN SPRAGUE ...
In 1991 Karin Sprague cut her first letter in
stone using a mallet and chisel. Echoing the words of Pablo Naruda, she recalls her experience: "Something ignited in my soul." More than an artist, more than a craftswoman, the professional stone carver
lives, works, and breathes her passion. Opening her studio for letter carving workshops allows her to introduce students to the mallet and chisel. Surrounded by quiet woods, Karin lives with her husband,
three children, and two cats in a simple stone cottage. |
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TRACY MAHAFFEY ...
Sculpture, particularly relief
carving, has always given Tracy Mahaffey goosebumps. Her greatest teachers have been coins and old New England slate headstones. She is also influenced and encouraged by the many talented people who enter
her life. At the present moment she feels led by excitement to carve words and images to mentally tickle and inspire. "A lot of my personal inspiration comes from living a simple life, being awake, and
surrounding myself with family, friends, and critters." Her love of relief carving has manifested itself into a life of stone carving bliss. |
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