Todd Ralston 

 I think my love of rocks began because I grew up near the Columbia River. I’ve always had a fascination with the rocks- the way they change colors while wet, all the variations and shapes. Now, every time I cut into a rock and start giving it shape, it is amazing to see the depth and beauty each rock holds. 

Process: 

Although each stone is different, the process remains the same. I start with a radius blade to cut the oval or shape I want. Then move to a diamond blade, cutting my depth into one-inch cubes. Using a chisel, I break out the cubes and start smoothing with a diamond cup wheel. After all the cut lines are removed, I change  to a honing stone on my grinder to shape the rock. The polishing process is done, wet or dry, depending on the hardness of the stone. Seven different grits are used from a 50 grit to a 3000 grit. It’s amazing to watch the stone come to life as I move through the polishing pads.