For 40 years we have embarked on a creative journey that goes beyond the mere act of sculpting; their work represents a profound communion with the earth itself. For over three decades, they have traversed the rugged terrains of seven states, meticulously hand-gathering alabaster stones that lie hidden beneath the earth’s surface. These stones, once revered by ancient civilizations, are unearthed not as commodities, but as sacred relics waiting to be transformed.
Each discovery is a moment of reverence and anticipation, a portal to untold possibilities. The unearthing process, both grueling and ecstatic, is the first step in a dialogue between the artist and the stone. These alabasters, with their rare colors and translucency, hold within them the promise of something extraordinary. The stones are not store-bought or commercially sourced; they are chosen by the land itself, offered up to those who are willing to seek them out, to careen on the edge of the Universe in search of this ‘Queen of Stones.’
The transformation of these raw stones into vessels of beauty is an intricate process that requires both skill and sensitivity. Zalkind and Hawkins use a simple, abrasive grinding technique, perfectly suited to the delicate nature of alabaster. This method, far from being harsh, allows the stone’s softness, plasticity, and translucent qualities to be revealed in their highest form. It is a process that honors the stone’s natural attributes, bringing forth a beauty that is inherent, not imposed.
The philosophy behind their work is one of deep listening and respect. Rather than forcing their own ideas onto the stone, they allow its natural shape, color, and translucency to guide the creation. The stone speaks, and they respond, creating a harmony between the material and the maker. The resulting pieces are not just sculptures; they are living entities, imbued with a life of their own. Each one is a unique expression of the earth’s spirit, a celebration of its materials, and a testament to the transformative power of art.
The process does not end with the completion of the piece. For Zalkind and Hawkins, selling and promoting their work is the final stage of their artistic journey. This is not a commercial endeavor, but a continuation of the dialogue that began with the stone. When a piece finds its home, it creates a trinity of energy between the artist, the stone, and the patron. This exchange is exhilarating, renewing the cycle of creation and inspiration, and initiating new beginnings.
In this way, Zalkind and Hawkins’s work is more than art; it is a sacred act of communion with the earth, a celebration of its beauty, and a testament to the infinite possibilities of form and expression. Through their meticulous process, they transform raw materials into objects of profound beauty and significance, offering them as gifts back to the world, rooted in the earth and reaching toward the heavens.