.png)
The Artist Behind the Stone
About Sal Orlando, Stone Carver
I am a stone carver shaped by years of hands-on experience, curiosity, and a deep respect for natural materials. My work develops through an ongoing dialogue between myself and the stone, allowing each sculpture to emerge thoughtfully and deliberately, grounded in the physical reality of the material.
.jpeg)
Most art goes to sleep when the sun goes down, while the world I create wakes up and comes to life.
FOUNDER
Let me know if you see anything you like.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Sculpting is an art of subtraction, removing material to expose the form from within. I am a direct stone carver, meaning I do not make models or sketch first. After working a design concept over and over in my mind, I am eventually ready to bring my vision to reality. It is not until I connect with the stone that I can release my creative energy and the stone’s potential. I start off by contemplating the stone, viewing it from different angles, trying to transpose the image held in my mind onto the stone. Once an idea inspires me the undertaking is almost an obsession until I pull it off, successfully.
In my abstract work I follow the flow, freely connecting one curve to another which eventually leads to wherever. With my figurative work I strive to capture the recognizable, but still stretch the boundaries of reality. Combining my spirited abstract approach to produce my figurative impressions has led to an aesthetic and complexity that will intrigue the most sophisticated collector. My art says different things to different people. My sculptures draw you in and pull you around to admire them from all angles. Shadows and light play on the polished surfaces, they pivot and turn, revealing new versions of themselves. You will be compelled to touch and caress the cool stone, feeling the textures and following the contours. This allows you to fully appreciate their form. Three-Dimensional art is not just for viewing but should be touched. I encourage the tactile experience.
Stones from around the world come in a variety of colors. I enjoy combining these variations by marrying different stones together, enabling them to complement each other and enhancing their individual interest. I have recently been illuminating translucent stones, enhancing their color and impact. Most art goes to sleep when the sun goes down, while the world I create wakes up and comes to life.
----Salvatore Orlando
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, my work has received consistent recognition across a wide range of juried exhibitions and regional art shows. These honors include multiple first-, second-, and third-place awards, several Best of Show distinctions, as well as People’s Choice and Artist’s Choice awards. In addition to formal accolades, my stone carvings have been featured in local press and art-related publications, reflecting both public appreciation and peer recognition. Long-standing involvement with professional sculptural communities has further shaped my artistic practice and contributed to continued recognition within the field.
Please follow my social media pages
Artistic Approach
Material & Technique
Exploring Color, Form, and Light
I enjoy combining different types of stone to expand the visual language of my sculptures. By pairing contrasting colors, textures, and translucency, I create relationships between materials that enhance each other’s presence. Some stones invite illumination, allowing light to pass through and transform the sculpture from within. This integration of lighting adds another layer of expression, changing how the work is perceived depending on its environment. Technology becomes a quiet partner in the process, supporting the stone rather than overpowering it. The result is work that shifts between solid and luminous, inviting viewers to engage from multiple perspectives.
Working Directly With Stone
My work is rooted in carving directly from stone, allowing the material itself to guide the final form. Rather than following a fixed plan, I respond to the stone as I work, embracing its natural veins, color variations, and structure. I am especially drawn to stones with strong movement in their patterns, as they suggest possibilities that evolve during the carving process. This approach allows each sculpture to develop organically, revealing forms that could not have been predicted in advance. By working intuitively and remaining open to the stone’s character, every piece becomes a unique outcome shaped through observation, patience, and physical engagement with the material.
Artistic Journey
An Evolving Sculptural Practice
My path as a stone carver developed gradually, shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and time spent learning through hands-on experience. Participation in gatherings such as the California Sculptors Symposium played an important role in expanding my skills and artistic understanding. These environments encouraged growth, exchange of ideas, and a deeper respect for traditional and contemporary stone carving practices. Over the years, my work has continued to evolve, reflecting a balance between abstract exploration and recognizable forms. Each sculpture represents a moment within this ongoing journey, grounded in the physical act of carving and a lasting fascination with stone as a living material.
Testimonials
Experiencing the Sculpture
Stone speaks differently to every viewer. The following impressions reflect the quiet dialogue that unfolds between the sculpture and those who encounter it.
Visions in Stone by Sal Orlando
ABSTRACT & FIGURATIVE STONE SCULPTURE
​​Inspired by the natural world. Shaped by intuition. Each sculpture emerges through direct carving, uncovering the form already living within the stone.
Decades of Exploration
An evolving practice shaped by time and experience
Original Stone Carvings
Each piece carved individually from natural stone
Process-Driven Work
Guided by intuition, material, and discovery
Personal Collections
Works held by private collectors and close communities
