Stone Sculpture

My process is called taille directe or direct carving, which means I carve directly into the stone without first making a model from another medium such as clay or plaster. The rocks I use are soapstone or alabaster or limestone.  

Kate Bradley studied art at the University of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). She painted in oils until she was introduced to stone carving, which ignited her love for three dimensional form. Her process is called taille directe or direct carving, carving directly into the stone without first making a model from another medium such as clay or plaster. Using human and animal forms, Kate assimilates the attributes of ancient goddesses and the symbolic meanings of animals to signify their impact on our lives. She resides and works in Wausau, WI.

The human form has long held a fascination for me. I incorporate the attributes of ancient goddesses and astrology to express the symbolic impact on our lives today. I give more of a "real woman" look to my sculptures than the traditional ethereal goddess look. These images are in stone. Stone is a massive, solid material. It doesn't make sense to me to turn most of that rock back to dust.

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And, then there are the animals. Each have their own symbolic meanings. Rabbit - luck, magical power, success, abundance. Toad - new life, fruitfulness, prosperity. Dragon - protection, strength, courage. Cow - abundance & fertility, patience, holiness, new beginnings. I am currently working on a series of ancient animal goddess sculptures, which incorporate both human and animal form.