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Where are you willing to work?: interested in vertical stamping and horizontal overlays

What is your email or phone number so you can be contacted?: osiris6@gmx.com

At 7:39am on October 17, 2011, David Driggs said…: Osiris, thanks for the compliments on my work. My ability to do this came from what I learned on the V/A subscription site. Kel-Crete is not needed in a vert mix, I was using it for a couple batches, then learned it didn't help at all! And many artisans around the world carve beautifully without specialty additives. Get a subscription, and watch the videos a couple times. It shows you how to make your own tools, and even mix ideas. You can do this, and it sounds like you won't have to deal with any competition, either! Best wishes.

At 9:46pm on October 17, 2011, David Driggs said…: Do NOT wait 2-1/2 years (or even 6 months) to do this! I had many unavoidable circumstances which delayed me so long. Join the subscription site and watch those videos, and talk to Nathan about sourcing your own mix. One video series shows Nathan doing a vertical job in Mexico using locally available materials. He will help you figure out your particular details. I don't make my own because it's easier for me here to just buy a mix.

Another source of training is Bryan Gauthier, and for sheer volume of information, his is next to none. He gives many recipes for every sort of mix imaginable, and training for every decorative concrete work under the sun. If you can afford BOTH Bryan's AND the Vert/Art subscription, do it. If $$ is tight, like for most of us, choose very wisely...

In the end, my personal opinion is that there is no carving style like that pioneered by Nathan, and so the best way to learn that style is directly from him. When you see it all for yourself, you will probably feel bad for him for charging so little for what he gives.

At 8:12am on October 18, 2011, osiris said…: David... I truly appreciate your feedback. I will review Bryan Gauthier website now. And yes, I agree that Nathan carving style is superb. I am keen to learn and develop the required skills. However, I've got to start managing my time better. I am tight on time and spending time to learn about vertical overlays is a bit risky. However, every time I visit Nathans website and look at his work, I feel inspired and I honestly can’t resist the beauty in his work. A beauty that makes you comeback every time … despite your time limitations. I really feel passionate about it. Thank you for all the encouragement and support.

At 6:16pm on October 18, 2011, David Driggs said…: If you have limited time and funds, and you agree with me on Nathan's style, DEFINITELY subscribe to www.verticalartisans.com first. You will learn all you need to know, without lots of diversions. When you get more time and want massive amounts of technical info, and perhaps some other applications to explore, then you can pop for Bryan's.

At 3:29pm on January 27, 2012, Ken Tywoniw said…: Thanks-Osiris, I know very few Egyptians, actually you're the first! Post a few pics. I started in '81 and was a guinea pig for much experimentation. The techniques I use were pioneered by a small group of us and you could count the number of rock companies on one hand. Today there is nothing much new under Ra, we are mostly looking for faster ways rather than better ways, because the competition is now all about low bidding rather than greater achieving. I still try to keep up the quality!