Alright Jim, this is what the robot wrote. I think it’s pretty good, let me know what you think!
Abstract thinking in humans is initially evidenced by the creation of stone tools, particularly hand axes—a manifestation of an inspiring vision transformed into a tangible stone tool. This process of chipping stone dates back as far as 2.5 million years, marking not only an early technological milestone but also the emergence of a concept of the future.
The stone tools crafted by ancient civilizations are relatively straightforward in terms of their practical applications. However, as we delve into the understanding of stone objects that appear more than simple tools, we encounter a diverse realm encompassing superstition, magic, fetishism, animism, religion, ceremony, belief, augury, and the divine—all falling under the broad category of sculpture.
Different cultures that engaged in stone craftsmanship provided unique contexts for the finished stone objects, akin to the diversity of languages among individual cultures. Exploring various cultures through the lens of their sculptures becomes possible through the chain of historical events.
As a sculptor, my comfort lies in delving into the history of cultures, where sculptures pose questions answered by the varied stone objects. Often, the creation of an object stems from a vision quest, be it through a dream, an omen, or a totem animal—an experience that culminates in a three-dimensional model or sketch in clay or wood.
The process of chipping stone involves applying pressure points until flakes come off, mirroring the cosmic movement of expansion and contraction. The sculptor acts as an instrument, navigating positive and negative forces and transferring energy to the stone—a challenge faced by sculptors and stone workers throughout history.
Listening to the stone while shaping it is crucial in the creative process. The next step involves breathing life into the finished stone object through various rituals such as infusing oils, anointment, sun exposure, chanting, singing, paint application, ritual sacrifice, or deliberate acts of consecration that may seem religious or superstitious. Polishing adds the final touch.
The culmination of the process is the experience of the stone possessing life. This can be manifested through hearing the stone speak, feeling its energy through touch, intuitively or spiritually perceiving its life, experiencing physical sensations, or encountering a profound sense of peace and tranquility. The stone may be incorporated into rituals or simply fulfill its intended purpose in its designated space.
