The Process
At PetSculpture, our creative process is a journey that bridges the gap between a cherished memory and a timeless piece of art. Each sculpture is hand-carved in the heart of Italy by master artisans who belong to a lineage of stone-working traditions dating back to the 13th-century "tajapiera" (stone-cutters) guild.
Here is how your pet’s likeness is brought to life using the legendary Vicenza Stone:
1. The Vision and "Bozzetto"
The process begins with your story. Our artists study your photographs and memories to capture the unique essence of your pet. Before the first strike of a chisel, a bozzetto—a small-scale clay sketch—is often created. This allows the sculptor to map out the anatomy and spirit of the animal, ensuring the proportions are perfect before moving to the stone.
2. Selecting the Living Stone
We work exclusively with Vicenza Stone, a soft, organogenic limestone quarried from the Berici Hills. When first extracted, this stone contains "quarry water," making it exceptionally malleable for intricate carving. Our masters hand-select each block, looking for the right color and consistency to match your pet’s character.
3. The Traditional "Sgrossatura" (Roughing)
Using the same tools favored by Renaissance masters—the hammer and point chisel—the sculptor begins the "sgrossatura." This is the most physically demanding stage, where large volumes of stone are removed to "set free" the figure hidden within the block. Every strike is intentional, guided by decades of experience.
4. Refining the Soul
As the form emerges, the sculptor switches to claw chisels and rasps. This stage is where the magic happens:
- Expression: The eyes and snout are carefully articulated to reflect your pet's personality.
- Texture: Fine rifflers are used to simulate the softness of fur, the curve of an ear, or the muscle definition of a playful stance.
- Hand-Finishing: Unlike mass-produced molded replicas, every inch of the surface is touched by human hands, ensuring no two sculptures are ever identical.
5. The Gift of Time
A unique property of Vicenza Stone is that it hardens over time. As the sculpture is exposed to the air, it loses its internal moisture and becomes incredibly durable. This natural aging process creates a timeless keepsake that can withstand the elements, allowing your pet’s memorial to stand beautifully in a garden or as a centerpiece in your home for generations.