Cal the Stoner's Outdoor Intricarved Stone Sculpture Studio[1] is an open-air gallery located in Andamooka, South Australia. It showcases the unique "Intricarved Stone Sculpture" of Australian artist Cal the Stoner. His signature piece, The Andamooka Tiger, is a life-sized, intricately carved tiger adorned with local opal.[2]
Location
editThe studio is at 82 Grosser Street, Andamooka, South Australia, 5722. [3]
The Intricarved technique
editCal developed the "Intricarved"[4] technique 2011, crafting sculptures where patterns and images appear through natural colour variations within a single stone. This method requires intricate planning as differently coloured stones cannot abut; Cal instead carves pieces from larger stones to fit perfectly together, drawing comparisons to ancient Incan stonework. His process involves using hammers and chisels to create interlocking pieces, some sculptures requiring over 2,000 individually carved segments.
Notable works
editThe Andamooka Tiger
editThe Andamooka Tiger, completed in February 2022[5][6] after 8,000 hours of work, is a 1.2-tonne life-sized tiger sculpture. Crafted from Grampian sandstone, it features opal claws, tail tip, canines, and honey matrix opal eyes, with high-quality lighting that enhances the opal's natural colour play.[7] Cal’s 15th Intricarved sculpture embodies his dedication to the art form, capturing a lifelike moment as the tiger appears to snarl, disturbed in a relaxed pose. This piece has received significant media attention, with InDaily naming it one of Australia’s must-see "big things" in May 2022.[1]
The Goddess
editCommenced in February 2022, The Goddess is Cal’s 16th Intricarved sculpture. It is a 6’9” figure with opal and gold enhancements, detailed with tattoos echoing the markings of the Andamooka Tiger. This sculpture continues Cal's tradition of intricate design,[8] blending lifelike detail with artistic expression.
Media recognition
editCal’s work has been widely recognised, with features on ABC's BackRoads, Discovery Channel's Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Roadtrip,[9][10][11] The Project[12][13] on Channel 10, the Advertiser,[14] ABC News, and across social media.
References
edit- ^ a b "Andamooka Tiger roars into opal town - InDaily".
- ^ https://industry.flindersandoutback.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Andamooka-Press-Vol-12-Issue-2-March-2022.pdf
- ^ "Andamooka, SA". Aussie Towns.
- ^ "Puppet show gives remote town outlet for flood trauma — but it's not all doom and gloom". ABC News. February 28, 2024 – via www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Unveiling The Andamooka Tiger - Cal the Stoner | Roxby Downs Council".
- ^ "Don't fear the Andamooka Tiger". ABC listen. May 9, 2022.
- ^ "Artistcloseup - Contemporary Art Magazine #5 by Artistcloseup - Issuu". issuu.com. April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Cal the Stoner presents: The Good, The Twisted and The Unearthed | Roxby Downs Council".
- ^ "Episode 4 – Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip (Season 1, Episode 4) - Apple TV (AU)". Apple TV. May 7, 2024.
- ^ "Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip Season 1 Episode 4, Watch TV Online" – via www.9now.com.au.
- ^ "Prime Video: Opal Hunters Red Dirt Road Trip - Season 1".
- ^ "Andamooka Is Australia's Cheapest Town To Buy A House". 10 play.
- ^ "Andamooka Is Australia's Cheapest Town To Buy A House, And New Arrivals Love The Serenity". May 1, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/upper-spencer-gulf/andamooka-residents-embrace-mining-towns-unique-attributes/news-story/c31470bd0927dea969df1322d0c99645