I guess if I weren’t a stone sculptor I would have to become one just to be a part of the Silver Falls Symposium. Of course since I live to carve, it is a double joy. This year I got to spend time in the beautiful Oregon forest with some of the friendliest, most helpful people anywhere.

On top of that, when I did have a question about stone, tools, design and working as an artist, these same great folks were able to give first hand guidance and encouragement. This year, as last, Mark Andrew, David Miller, Tom Urban, and Rich Hestekind were on hand at Silver Falls. What a treat.

With Mark coordinating the events, all the friction and worry vanishes and everyone is free to learn and carve and eat obscene portions of bacon and eggs (and other wonderful food). David is the hammer and chisel guru who has invaluable knowledge of how to work without a cloud of dust. If you like to carve and listen to opera or breathe without a respirator, then David is indispensable.

On the other hand, if you want to know anything and everything about power gear, Tom Urban has inexhaustible knowledge. Rich has an inspiring way of talking about large pieces of stone and the water features he designs and builds. These four r eturnees are uncommonly unselfish and talented.

Stuart Jacobson, a former Silver Falls coordinator and a granite and basalt sculptor, was on hand to demonstrate some of the techniques he uses on the elegant pieces he makes. Stu guided a group effort that produced a granite water basin that he generously donated to the auction.

A new face this year was Alexandra Morosco, who came all the way from Ventura, CA, with an awesome array of hard to find specialty tools. I found some great Italian mounted burrs. It was a revelation to talk to Alexandra since she is a fellow artist with an ability to find the perfect tool for the job.

To all my friends from last year and the people I met this summer: Thanks for a making Silver Falls fun and immensely useful. See you next year.