STONE SCULPTURES
Custom Stone Sculpture by Steve Rands
Steve Rands creates custom stone sculptures using a hands-on, traditional approach backed by engineering experience and a strong respect for materials. His work combines old-world techniques with a practical understanding of design and installation, resulting in sculptural pieces that are built to last and made to fit their environment.
Why Choose a Custom Stone Sculpture?
Commissioning a custom stone sculpture from Steve Rands offers numerous benefits:
- Timeless Beauty: Stone sculptures provide a sense of permanence and timeless elegance, evoking the techniques and media of the old masters.
- Custom Fit: Every sculpture is designed to match the space, message, or identity of the client.
- Built for Impact: Whether abstract or literal, Steve’s stone work is made to engage its audience.
- Hand-Carved Craftsmanship: All carving is done in-house with attention to form, structure, and finish.
Tailored to Your Vision
Steve works closely with each client to make sure the sculpture aligns with their goals—whether that’s marking a memorial, enhancing a garden, or creating a public art feature. The collaborative process allows for creative flexibility while maintaining a clear focus on project scope, timeline, and material needs.
The Creative Process
Creating a custom stone sculpture with Steve involves several key stages:
Initial Consultation:
- First defining the audience to whom the client intends to speak to with a sculpture.
- Then determine consider what message and impression the piece itself should convey.
- Initial discussion of artistic concepts.
Design Phase:
- Developing sketches and digital models.
- Refining the design based on client feedback.
Fabrication:
- Expert craftsmanship in metal, stone and wood.
- Attention to detail and precision.
Throughout the process, Steve’s dedication to quality and artistic integrity ensures that each sculpture is a true work of art.
About Steve Rands
Steve’s path to sculpture includes time as a nuclear propulsion plant mechanic, Naval Officer, and helicopter pilot After retiring from military service, he spent years running a fabrication business focused on defense and commercial projects, until eventually embarking full-time to sculptural work.
Today, he operates out of a 2400 sqft studio in Lawrence, Kansas’ Warehouse Arts District. The space includes a full machine shop and 2-ton overhead crane, allowing him to take on large-scale works in both stone and metal. His approach blends classical methods with modern planning and digital modeling tools.
Stone Carving in Italy
One of the key influences on Steve’s stone work came from his time carving in Pietrasanta, Italy—near the Carrara quarries where Michelangelo sourced his marble. Working alongside Italian master carvers, Steve absorbed traditional techniques and approaches that now inform his practice. That time also reinforced the value of patience, precision, and listening to the material—skills that remain central to his work today.
What is Custom Stone Sculpture?
Custom stone sculpture refers to hand-carved, site-specific works created for individuals, companies, and public spaces. These sculptures are built to reflect a specific identity, memory, or idea—and to endure the elements and the passage of time.
Common applications include:
- Garden Features: Sculptures that add texture, meaning, and visual interest to natural spaces.
- Outdoor Installations: Statement pieces for buildings, campuses, or private landscapes.
- Interior Accents: Smaller works or built-in features for foyers, hallways, or lobbies.
- Public Spaces: Sculptures created to serve as cultural or civic landmarks.
- Memorials and Monuments: Durable works that honor people, events, or ideas with permanence and care.
Get in Touch
For inquiries and commissions, please contact Steve Rands.
Whether you’re looking for a public installation or a personal commission, Steve brings the experience and craftsmanship to see it through from concept to final placement.
Interested in Collaborating With us?
