From diamond tooling to sculpture

After years of working in the industrial diamond industry - including equipment and accessories for fabricating natural stone - Ben Levy found himself intrigued by the thought of sculpture. And after studying with a sculpting professional in his hometown in Virginia Beach, VA, Levy opened his first exhibit earlier this year.

Levy - who works for Regent Stone Products, a supplier of stone fabricating tools and accessories - became involved in the craft while evaluating various diamond tools for stone fabrication. "I was testing how the different tools would work on different stone shapes, and it went from there," he said.

Levy began working with a sculptor in the area, Matt Fine, whose work has been displayed on a national level. Working with Fine, Levy updated his technique for hand finishing, and began producing sculptural work. His first sculpture exhibit, entitled "The Beginning," opened in Virginia Beach in January of this year.

The sculptures are done in various geometric shapes, and the idea behind the project was to contrast the solidity of stone with light - either natural light or artificial light. This was achieved by carving openings directly into stone, or by creating slots along the edge of a piece to allow the light to filter through. Additionally, one piece utilizes internal neon lighting to glow from within the body of the stone.

With the pieces for "The Beginning" complete, Levy is currently completing a memorial piece for eight Virginia Beach Police officers who fell in the line of duty. Additionally, the proceeds from sales of his work are donated to various children's charities.

Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to Stone World 

Column-picsmall

Michael Reis has been working for Stone World Magazine since 1993. In his role as Editor and Associate Publisher, he covers all aspects of the stone industry, from quarrying to fabrication to installation. He contributes feature articles as well as writes the Stone Column, which is a monthly commentary on industry issues and trends. Emailmichael@stoneworld.com

Recent Articles by Michael Reis

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

Surfaces 2013 preview

Surfaces 2013 -- to be held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas -- is slated for January 29 to 31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show, which also includes an extensive educational program that will be held from January 28 to 31, provides a place for thousands of floor covering retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders from around the world to gather and view the latest products, get vital education, network with other floor covering professionals and conduct business.

More than 600 of the largest manufacturers and suppliers representing products in every major category, including carpet, tile, hardwood, rugs, laminate, resilient and stone, are expected to exhibit at the trade show. Hanley Wood, owner and operator of the exhibition, reports that they have many new exhibiting companies and returning ones who have expanded their booth size. Additionally, Surfaces 2013 will host more than 40 workshops, seminars and mini sessions led by industry experts in the fields of business, sales, marketing, installation and design. Attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD, IICRC and AIA/CES industry designation. Here is just a small sampling of some of the displays that will be present at Surfaces 2013.

THE MAGAZINE

Stone World Magazine

SW May 2013 cover

May 2013

Stone World's new issue includes a feature on the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD as well as an inside look at the Artisan Group’s annual fabrication event in Austin, TX.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Magazine

CSTD Spring 2013 cover

2013 Spring

CSTD's Spring issue features a special on Kitchen and Bath renovation. This edition also takes a look at the continuing popularity of quartz surfacing.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Business Staff

How is your business currently staffed?
View Results Poll Archive

The Stone World Store

Tile_Style_for_the_Home.gif
Tile Style for the Home

This book illustrates almost 500 contemporary tile projects, with thousands of ideas for illuminating a home with the beauty of tile.

More Products

Stone Guide

cover

The directory for Stone, Equipment and Supplies - the single information resource readers turn to.

Visit Stone Guide today!

  

Stone Industry Education

stone industry educationStone Industry Education is sponsored by Stone World Magazine and Marble Institute of America. The SIE events will help you: strengthen your skills, build your business, and  increase profit in your shop.  Check out stoneindustryeducation.com to register for upcoming fabricator and installer seminars.

STAY CONNECTED

facebook logo Twitter  YouTube