Stone carving is an ancient form of making art that chisels and shapes rocks into pieces of art. Artists use traditional tools like chisels and hammers to carefully sculpt stone to reveal the beauty inside. Different kinds of stones and rocks have their own unique qualities and composition, and artists choose those that fit their vision. Stone carving is like a timeless craft, and takes skill and creativity to turn a simple stone into a beautiful piece of art that tells a tale through shape and detail.
Throughout history, stone carving has left a permanent mark on various cultures. In ancient times, it adorned temples with detailed reliefs, narrating stories of mythology and spirituality. This craft goes beyond mere personal expression, it contributes to shaping the visual identity of cities and landscapes.
Stone carving requires an in-depth understanding of the stone's inherent traits — its grain, colors, and flaws. This knowledge serves as a guide for the artist to work in harmony with the material, creating pieces that reveal the natural beauty of the chosen stone. Today's stone sculptors explore new shapes, pushing the limits of the craft while respecting its ancient roots.
In Sundhara, Lalitpur, Rajendra Handicraft led by Rajendra Bajracharya stands as a testament to the rich tradition and skillful craftsmanship of Nepal's stone carvers. Rajendra's family business, established over 15 years ago, is deeply rooted in the artistry of stone carving. Commencing his journey at the age of 15, Rajendra, with over 40 years of experience, has evolved into an exceptional stone carver. The center produces a new piece of art daily, showcasing the continuous creative output of the talented artisans under Rajendra's guidance.
The demand for stone carved art like Rajendra's sculptures extends beyond the borders of Nepal to countries like USA, Japan, Singapore, and China. His stone sculptures, known for their exceptional quality, adorn temples not only within Nepal but also globally.
Stone carving is a time-consuming process that requires not only dedication but also a profound knowledge of tools and a set of refined skills often handed down for generations. Rajendra's mastery over these elements has positioned him as a well-known figure in the stone carving community.
In essence, the stone carving center in Sundhara, Lalitpur, under Rajendra Bajracharya's leadership, stands as a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. It contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of this traditional art form, not only within the borders of Nepal but also beyond.
The process of stone carving unfolds in a series of thorough and dedicated well planned steps. Picking the right kind of stone is crucial for sculptors like Rajendra Bajracharya, as it profoundly influences the final artwork's appearance, strength, and ease of carving.
The artists first contemplate over what they want to create, how they envision it, and the challenges of carving it. The selected stone becomes the canvas for their artistic expression, dictating the potential success of the final sculpture. After choosing the right stone and bringing it to the workshop, the next critical step is designing the sculpture.
This phase involves creating a detailed plan or model, whether through drawing, a clay model, or a digital design. The design becomes a guiding light, helping the artist visualize how the sculpture should look. It includes all the intricate details and shapes the artist intends to carve. This planning stage is fundamental, serving as the foundation for the entire stone carving process, ensuring the artist's creative ideas manifest in the final artwork.
Once the stone is prepared and the basic shape is carved, the artist embarks on secondary carving with smaller tools like claw chisels or flat chisels to add more intricate details and bring the sculpture to perfection.
The process of shaping and detailing follows to achieve a solid and balanced appearance and adding small, intricate touches to the sculpture. The final phase in the stone carving process is finishing. After shaping and detailing, the artist adds the last touches to give the sculpture a smooth and polished appearance. Tools like sandpaper or special compounds may be used to refine the surface, providing a delightful texture and shine.
Contact details
Rajendra Handicraft
Sundhara, Lalitpur
+977 9803025892
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