Summer 2025: Sculpted by the Sculptor
This year’s plein air painting trip took me across several countries and ultimately led me to a marble studio in Florence. It was an incredible honor to study under Jason Arkles, a figurative sculptor I’ve long admired for his dedication to traditional techniques like sight-size and pointing.
Carving marble for the first time was both daunting and deeply rewarding. The process demanded patience, precision, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Spending a month immersed in the timeless beauty of Florence—surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces and modern-day studios—made this summer truly unforgettable.
Why the Syro Malabar Cross?
I chose the Syro Malabar cross because of its deep religious, historical, and cultural roots. It was one of the first Christian symbols to be carved in granite in Mylapore, India. The cross was discovered in 1547 during the construction of a new church at the site where Saint Thomas the Apostle was martyred. The cross is empty and has flower buds on the ends of each arm which represents the resurrection, salvation, and new life. Below, we see a lotus which represents Christianity flourishing in India and the steps to Golgotha. And above is a dove which represents the Holy Spirit.
As a sacred artist serving the Syro Malabar Church, this cross holds deep meaning for me. It felt fitting to choose it as my first marble carving project—both as a tribute to my faith and a technical challenge. I had recreated the Syro Malabar cross in wood as my first wood carving project a few years ago so it felt natural to do a study in stone as well. I challenged myself to go beyond the original Mylapore bas relief and carve a freestanding cross, allowing me to develop techniques that will serve me well in future works.
Becoming a Student Again
Marble carving forced me out of my comfort zone and reminded me what it feels like to be a student again. I was used to working with wood, which is much more forgiving. Marble, on the other hand, is unyielding. A single misplaced strike can’t be undone and may alter the entire design. In those early days, I struggled even to chisel a straight line. Jason’s patience and encouragement gave me the confidence to approach the stone more boldly.
I learned to be deliberate with every strike of the hammer, to listen to both my mind and body and take breaks before fatigue led to careless mistakes. I had to also adopt a beginner’s mindset, let go of my ego, and accept that mistakes were inevitable. Each chip, each misstep, became part of the learning process. Ultimately, I set aside everything I thought I knew about negative sculpting and let Jason, the stone, and my tools, teach me. It was humbling, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately liberating.
Purpose-Driven Exploration
This summer reminded me of the value of stepping away from commissions to invest in learning and personal growth. Taking time to refine my skills, explore new mediums, and simply create without pressure left me feeling renewed.
Grounding this personal motivation in a way that was still meaningful to the people I serve was also crucial. I first approached this exploration as a means to improve the sculptures found in Syro Malabar churches after seeing many which were worse for wear or poorly designed. The lack of dedicated artisans in religious communities results in careless design of our sacred spaces. This experience deepened my conviction that serving the Church means more than offering what we already know. It calls us to grow, to stretch beyond our comfort zones, and to continually seek beauty. We honor our faith not only through use of our existing skills and finished works, but through our commitment to learning—and to becoming better stewards of the artistic traditions we carry forward.
In the end, this entire journey was transformative. Carving that cross was more than just a technical exercise—it was a personal milestone. The finished piece stands as a symbol of my dedication, my growth, and my deepening love for the art of marble carving as well as sacred art as a whole.