Gargoyles and Grotesques - Carved in Stone

My gargoyles are all Y1K compliant!

University of Chicago Millenium Gargoyle - sculpture in process

Chicago, USA

I carve gargoyles in limestone and marble.
I also carve fireplaces, fountains, and other sculpture. On this site I show my work in the Gallery section and explain the ancient art of carving in the Resources section. You'll find a site map at the bottom of each page, and a list of all my Gargoyle Pages on this page. Enjoy your visit!

The word "Gargoyle" shares a root with the word "Gargle"; they come from "gargouille", an old French word for "Throat". A true gargoyle is a waterspout. An unusual carved creature that does not serve that purpose is properly called a "Grotesque".

These fantastic creatures have been with us for thousands of years, and continue to delight us in the 21st. century.

I have many pages of gargoyle information. You'll find the links at the bottom of this page.

Click any image to see a larger, more detailed picture.

Grotesque face on my studio sink

These are true gargoyles- water from the downspout drains

through the elephant's trunk and from the crooked politician's head. Each of these gargoyles was carved from Indiana Limestone, and weighs about 500 lbs. The elephant is one of a pair on my house. Click that photo and you'll see more pictures of my elephants.

The crooked politician is on the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. I carved it in place, working on scaffolding about 120 feet (36m) above the ground. You'll notice that I am working by eye, copying the design from a small model.

In modern times the word Gargoyle has become the accepted generic term for all manner of grotesques, griffins and chimeras. I have more pages devoted to these wonderful creatures:

Lots of images appear on the More Gargoyles! page.
Would you like your own gargoyle? They make wonderful gifts, or add one to your collection. Visit my gargoyle store to select your favorite. I hope you find that my art works are imbued with individuality, life, and spirit.
Want to learn more about gargoyles? Facts, history, and information.
Birth of a Gargoyle - progress photos of two current projects.
The Green Man and foliate head merge nature and humanity.
Cathedral Gargoyles - Visit with some of the creatures I carved for the Washington National Cathedral.
Send free gargoyle postcards to your friends and loved ones.
New: Gargoyles of the World

Learn about stone carving.

Do you wonder how a sculptor creates such creatures from blocks of stone? You are invited to an explanation of the tools and techniques of stone and marble carving,

This fireplace, with two strange characters flanking the flames, and another face peering out from the shelf, is in my house. Stop by my fireplace pages to view more of my custom hand carved mantlepieces.

Subscribe to the Gargoyle Newsletter: News, updates, tips, questions and answers about gargoyles and stone carving. For more info, see the Newsletter FAQ.
Please use only your first name. This helps insure your privacy. The newsletter will be addressed to you as "Dear Name!"

Site Map
GALLERY		RESOURCES
Gargoyles Gargoyles, grotesques, green men & their history	Fireplaces Different styles & designs in marble & limestone	Creating Gargoyles The sequence of carving gargoyles	Carving tools and techniques How a block of stone becomes a sculpture
Latest Work! What's new	A Stone Menagerie Carved animals	Who am I? Biography of the artist	Marble Images, 200 varieties
Custom Signage	Public Sculpture	Stonecutters History- the Union in America
Religious Sculpture	Garden Sculpture	Teachers Q&A Students questions about gargoyles and carving
Small Sculpture	VRML 3d Sculpture	Scalable Bitmap Fonts
Architectural Ornament		Links to other sites	The Gargoyle Newsletter
The Gargoyle Store		Gargoyle Postcards
Own your own gargoyle! Easy, secure, on-line ordering		Send free e-cards to your friends and loved ones.
		HOME

© 1994-2001 Walter S. Arnold, Sculptor/Stone Carver
Chicago, USA	(847) 568-1188	fax (847) 568-1187	E-Mail your comments