Paint Rock Carving

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

I carved this piece, when I worked as an Oiler, on an electric shovel in the iron mines. That was back in "1952". I carved this with my jackknife during my spare time on the job. Some call this material soapstone, because it has the consistency of soap. Every once in awhile you run into a seam of this material when digging. I wish I'd have salvaged a large supply of this stuff, but at the time I wasn't a serious carver. I thought this would be of interest to some of you.
DickApple

[Thor]

That is a beautiful rock.
I've never seen soap stone that color or with that many veines of color. Very pretty.
Thor

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

It's hard to believe, that at one time, Millions of years ago this area was an ocean. One mine that now is a state park. They find Giant snail fossils,& also sharks teeth.
Dick

[Marci MN]

Thats beautiful! I love those colors!

I"ve been up to the area once. Its quite mind boggling looking at those mining area's.

I think we took a family picture with all of us sitting inside a tire of one of the implements.

Was it Hibbing that they moved a few times so they could keep mining that area? I remember a story about a town that had to be moved over every so many years.

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

That's right Marci, Hibbing had to move South Starting back in the 1920s. My wife lived in Old north Hibbing until about 1937.
There's still some streets left in the old town that didn't get dug up. They made a park out of that area now. They hold a festival each year, & have an arts & craft show. So checkout your schedule. A lot of people attend.
Starting today Hibbing is celebrating, Bob Dylan Days.
Because this is the hometown of Bob Dylan.


Sat./Sun. 15-16 Mines & Pines Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM - 4 PM, Historic North Hibbing.
The town that moved springs back to life each July with a unique arts and crafts festival.
The festival is in its 27th year selling heirloom quality arts & crafts. Belgian wagon rides, entertainment, regional delicasies and childrens activities abound. The free festival shuttle bus will be running again this year. It will run continuously from the Hibbing Memorial Building parking lot from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. For information call Maxine Corradi, 218-262-1558.
Dick

[Marci MN]

I didnt know that about Bob Dylan. I learn something new every day.

Thanks for the information on the Mines and Pines festival! I'll have to see if I can make it up there this summer.

[Linda L]

Dick, is this anything like pipestone? It's usually the solid reddish color like your piece. If I'm not mistaken, the main source of it is in Minnesota? Native Americans use it for their pipes. My son has been asking me to carve a pipe for him, but I keep telling him I need more practice until I attempt something like that!

Linda

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

Linda,
I'm not sure, I've never actually seen or held a peace pipe, just pictures. This stone feels just like soap, & it will disolve in water. I believe it's a high alumina content which causes iron ore to have a high moisture content, which is undesirable.
You'll have to get some advice from some Native Americans on carving peace pipes.
Regards, DickIce Cream

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

Marci,& whoever is interested.
Here's some info on Bob Dylan Days. It gives some background of Dylan
http://dylandays.com/

Dick

[Linda L]

Thanks Dick, it does sound like a different stone. Pipestone, obviously is damp and heated, so it needs to be able to withstand those factors.

I'll have to check with my son, I was pretty dure the stone quarry where pipestone is found is in Minnesota. Hard rock, but fairly easy to carve with regular tools.

Thanks again, really cool carving---but keep it dry!!

Linda