Greg Spitzers stone sculpting was born out of his frustration with the limitations of the two dimensional surface. His response to direct carving was instinctive and he discovered with his first cut, that he had a natural connection with the physicality of the carving process and the three dimensional world.

As Greg has evolved as an artist, he has acquired an in-depth knowledge and respect for the properties that different types of stone offer. Part of the process of creating fine art using natural materials such as s stone, is learning how to collaborate with it. Understanding when it is in the works best interest to respect its unique characteristics, (i.e. veining, grain, crystals) is the ultimate challenge for Greg, who finds the process inspiring both creatively and technically.

Greg uses both hand and power tools depending on the type and hardness of the particular stone. His tools are his brushes and the stone is his canvas. He uses these tools with great skill and finesse. Greg admits he gets into "a zone or rhythm" when he is carving, an almost "meditative state."

"I attempt to control as many factors as I can before carving begins. Understanding how elements like bedding plane (basically like the grain in wood) and how the natural movement of a stone like calcite can rob a form of detail is essential. Ultimately, unpredictable objects (e.g. shells, crystals or veins) appear and have to be dealt with and or embraced within the context of the work. "

"There are many aspects of stone sculpting that appeal to me and have evolved into intriguing lessons and knowledge. But, the part that I enjoy the most remains the physical act of carving. The instant of recognition as I expose the curve or line under the surface is the magic of this art. The intense, intimate contact between the tip of my blade, chisel or file and the surface that unveils what I know lies beneath is what beckons me."