Tufa Carving and Casting
Tufa is a soft volcanic ash that has been compressed by nature. The best tufa for casting is fine-grained. It has been used for centuries to make tools, statues, busts and jewelry. Tufa is easily carved with wooden tools, and imparts a unique texture. Some artists prefer to incorporate the texture, while others will file off the texture to leave a smooth surface. Click on the pictures below for explanations of the process.