The magical world of Randall

Art. Inspiration. Imagination. It is almost impossible to talk about art without talking about its driving forces. Art is the incarnation of a world that lives and exists in the mind of the artist and the window through which we can see evidence of its existence. Randall Stoner, a.k.a. “Madcarver”, is a prime example of this. Through the use of wood and a chisel he brings his magical world into physical existence, a world that already exists in his mind and which is a result of countless stories he has read. These stories fuel the creation of many worlds that are part of fantastic constellations that eagerly await to be selected to transcend into the physical reality in his home studio in Orange, California.

Randall had his first wood carving experiences as a young Boy Scout. Receiving the Wood Carving merit badge was highly encouraging but his serious commitment to the craft came later in life. Even though he lived in several places in the United States as well as abroad he found a constant source of inspiration and support in his grandfather, Theodore Wardell, who he remembers fondly. Mr. Wardell, an artist and lithographer himself, directed his grandchildren into the arts by passing on to them his vast knowledge in drawing and painting as well as supporting them in their specific areas such as providing a working space and wood chips for Randall.

Having talent and skill is essential to reach Randall’s level of artistry but it could not have happened without the external influence of the master craftsmen and artists who took the time to share their knowledge with him. He also invested years in formal training to master essential technical skills like perspective and free drawing. When speaking about his main source of inspiration Randall clearly indicates Fantasy literature as the corner stone. He explains that the journey of emotions through which he travels when reading Fantasy literature creates in him a compelling desire to “put those exhilarating scenes with my ‘spin’ on them into the realm of the tangible.” Randall also shares that all those characters and events from the stories he has read continue to resurrect time and again on his mind but now with him as the main character. This direct projections are what sparks that desire to create a piece that reflects the pain, the effort, the conflict, the battles and the accomplishments that his character experiences and allow the observer to join a story that spreads out before their eyes just by looking at his work.

As a sculptor Randall uncovers the masterpiece by digging and removing what he calls the unnecessary material. He finds it highly exhilarating and highly fulfilling to look for all the right angles and details that bring a work to a complete existence. Even though every piece he creates is loaded with attachment and emotions as soon as a piece is complete, Randall moves on to discover the forces that will drive his next creation. This process of research and discovery creates the new emotional bond which many times leads him to begin a work whose final shape and form is brought to light as the process unfolds. He often uses Basswood because of its light tones, its grain texture and its resistance to warping, which is ideal for his kind of work. Randall’s work is fantastic in every sense but it his techniques evolved from a trial and error process where frustration and sweat were no strangers.