gems, history of gemology,

The natural genesis of stones is particularly suited as a production paradigm for mimetic art, as is demonstrated by rock and coral forms or marble veining as expressions of natural formative forces. Artistic materials mediate between idea and execution and shape the creative process. The shaping of the material reveals layers of meaning within the work just as the specific form of a material offers possibilities for the generation of meaning. The imitation of natural materials is far more than a substitute for material or a display of artistic skill. The contributions in this book illuminate the imitation of the natural material stone as an artistic capacity to shape the interplay between natural and artificial material qualities.