The Techniques for laying or fitting Stones to other Stones have Varied throughout history, From the Aztecs of south America  to the European cathedral builders of England. The wonder of their craftsmanship can only make us marvel. For me, identifying  and understanding the different  Stones elements that make up the components are color, size, shape, texture. Within this framework patterns of balance, harmony, scale, and essence emerge. Natural uncut Stone has been used in many different ways, Stone left in its natural shape has beauty, power, and drama that can be both felt and seen. An example of this is conveyed in the stone circles of pre-christian cultures in the British Isles.  The Stone grouping that are left for us to experience seem to emit  a power of beauty and energy that form a relationship with the elements around them. Throughout time the shaping and fitting of Stones have varied from one Master Stone Mason to another. We marvel at these Stone Mason skills, and the varies cultures that produced their edifices and monuments. What were their tools to cut, shape, and move these stones that were a thousand tons? These Stone mason had no power tools, cranes, backhoes or dump truck. There workmanship and understanding of the elements and techniques are an example of true commonality that  enhances the true essence of Stone Masonry.

          Dry-Stack Stone Masonry Walls have been used for thousands of years and are one of the most beautiful, long lasting, and  time honored ways to build a Stone Wall. This type of Stone Wall will have a broad base of large stones that are parsley buried, with their flat side up. Lay these base Stones in two parallel lines, tilting them toward each other, this will create a center trench where the two Stones meet. Small and broken pieces of Stone can be used to fill in between these base Stones, then start adding the next layer or Stone, until the Dry-Stack Stone Wall reaches its full height. stonewalls- Seattle The preferred technique in placing the stones is to try and fit one shape  up next to another, without altering the shape of the stone, Finding a way to build the wall while leaving the stone in its natural state.  When building a Dru-Stack Wall always remember that gravity is the most important factor. Its a rule that must be followed. When placing a Stone on a Dry-Stack Wall it must be at rest, if it is rocking or tipping your Stone is out balance and harmony and has lost its essence with the wall and will fall.

          Once in a while a Stone will need to be reshaped, try not to alter the face of the Stone  by placing any cut or fresh cut to the inside of the wall were it won”t be seen. Some of the tools that a Stone Mason might have are a  Pitching Chisel, Punch, Mash Hammer, Tooth Tool, Mallet,  Square and Tape,  Blunt Nose Trowel.  When placing the stone try to open your mind and senses to the natural world around you. Imagine the shape of Stone and how it will relate to the Hypnotic patterns that draw you in.  As one stone accepts the shape of another, building a Dry-Stack Wall that can last a thousand years.  I was drawn to the power of the Stone many years ago, some time has past, and yet i still feel a sense of pride each time that i renew my vision of Stone.  Can the Artistry of my mind live on?  Maybe!  a thousand years.

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