Nathaniel Noel - "Spring Arrival"

'Spring Arrival'
Soapstone - Phyrophyllite
16 x 8"
This work is created from one solid piece of stone.

Nathaniel Thomas Noel

This sculpture depicts a Harp Seal and pup. Estimates put the number of harp seals alone at over 7 million which is currently thought to be the natural carrying capacity for that species. One of the largest annual "birthing" events for harp seals (referred to as whelping) takes place in the spring on the pack ice, just off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The medium used is a form of soapstone composed primarily of the mineral phrophyllite. Sculptors worldwide often refer to this stone as "wonderstone" because when found in its pure form it is so wonderful to carve. The nature of this stone allows such a smooth finish to be attained that no wax or oil is required in the final polishing stage.