José Manuel Castro López is a sculptor who has mastered the art of illusion with his hand-carved stone sculptures. His works defy the inherent properties of stone, presenting it with the softness and malleability of putty. López’s sculptures are a testament to his skill and artistic vision, often beginning with ordinary pieces of quartz or granite which he then meticulously carves to reveal fluid forms and fabric-like creases.
This transformative process not only challenges the viewer’s perception of the material but also highlights the artist’s philosophical approach to his craft. López believes in a magical relationship with the stone, where the material manifests and responds to his touch, allowing for a harmonious creation that respects the essence of the stone while showcasing its newfound delicacy.
My relationship with the stone is not only physical but also magical. They manifest, they obey me, we understand each other. I adapt to its essence, I take advantage of its qualities and I try to get the best out of it. I remove where it needs to be removed and I leave where it needs to be left, and I remove the trace of the tool with textures and oxides.
José Manuel Castro López
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