Gems and Jade

Barstad’s sculptural miniatures explore the same archetypal and mythic themes that define his work, but also engage the materials themselves. Many of his carvings push the limits of what is possible in a given stone, and redefine expectations within gemstone carving. This is true both of his small scale sculptures and wearable art.

“Spirit of the Age” – A unique wearable sculpture inspired by architectural stonework of the early twentieth century. The motif is one common to both Art Nouveau and Art Deco, representing the “spirit of modern travel” at a time when fast, safe, transit was uniting the globe; changing life as it had been and opening up a literal world of possibilities to normal people.

“Crystal Selene” – An elegant archetypal figurative work carved in the inverse intaglio style into a single quartz crystal, inspired by the Greek titan Selene, Goddess of the moon.

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“Honeycomb in Citrine” – Carving of a bee on a honeycomb, carved fully in the round. This subject is one that speaks to unity, clarity of purpose, hard work, and harmony of effort and purpose.

“Tourmaline Heart” – An anatomical study of a human heart, carved in the round in a beautiful piece of rubellite tourmaline. Symbolically and literally a heart, this piece speaks to the center of feeling, love, and intention.

“Lion in Citrine” – Carved in the inverse intaglio method, this large citrine quartz carving is evocative of courage, fortitude, and will to life.